Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Holly M. Donohoe, Ph.D., CNP

St Augustine,FL

Summary

Innovative and mission-driven leader with 20+ years of experience in higher education, nonprofit management, strategic marketing, community engagement, and business consulting. Recognized for building brand reputation, leading successful growth strategies, fostering community and stakeholder relations, and creating high-impact digital, social, experiential, and e-commerce campaigns. Proven record of success in managing cross-functional teams, securing funding, and aligning marketing strategies with organizational goals. Expertise in directing large-scale events, web and social media strategy, multicultural outreach initiatives, strategic planning, teaching and learning, research, and metric reporting.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

President, Consultant

CLEER Consulting International
01.2003 - Current
  • Directed marketing, branding, strategic planning, and media campaigns for clients across higher education, government, business, and nonprofit sectors.
  • Led multi-channel campaigns (digital, print, radio, social) including content creation, analytics, and community engagement.
  • Designed and managed websites, e-commerce, SEO strategy, and multimedia content for diverse local-to-global clients and their audiences.
  • Developed marketing assets and managed cross-cultural communications for international events and clients.
  • Advised on public relations and crisis communications for global clients (e.g., UNESCO, Beijing Olympics, Joy of Kosher TV, Tourism Industry Association Canada).
  • Led strategic planning processes, think tanks, interdisciplinary research, indicator-based metrics reporting, stakeholder engagement initiatives, financial planning and budgeting, training, and evaluation processes.
  • Supported higher education strategic planning, recruitment, marketing and communications, community engagement, fundraising, and curriculum development.
  • Mentored small business client start-ups; provided support through financing, licensing, branding, staffing, growth, and change management processes.
  • Inspired innovation by creating an environment that encouraged creative thinking, collaborative methods, and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Recognized with “Best in Business Community Leadership Award” (Jacksonville Magazine).

Adjunct Professor, School of Business

Flagler College
08.2022 - Current
  • Spearheaded development and delivery of high-impact undergraduate courses that emphasize community-based learning, business management and marketing, sustainability, and global engagement—directly supporting institutional branding and outreach goals.
  • Built and maintained strategic partnerships with top-tier organizations (e.g., Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, The Breakers Resort, Marriott International, Florida State Parks, National Park Service) to enhance student learning and elevate the College’s community profile.
  • Taught courses in business management, planning and development, marketing, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance); integrated real-world case studies, industry engagement, experiential and service-learning, and public-facing deliverables.
  • Promoted student and college visibility through research mentorship and conference participation, strengthening alumni relations and institutional reputation in professional circles.
  • Collaborated on visitor engagement experiences, event management workshops, and site-based learning initiatives that positioned Flagler College as a community-engaged institution.
  • Recognized for teaching excellence and mentorship
  • Nominated for 2024 “Woman of the Year” by Phi Alpha Omega.

Community Engagement Manager

Treasure Beach Property Owner's Association
05.2022 - 05.2025


  • Developed strategic communications plan and managed brand portfolio
  • Designed and managed website, multimedia content, and marketing assets.
  • Led multi-channel campaigns (digital, print, social) including design, content creation, and analytics that increased online community engagement by 150%
  • Increased community event participation by 75% through targeted outreach initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications.

Adjunct Professor, Coggin Business School

University of North Florida
01.2018 - 12.2024
  • Developed and delivered in-person and online courses with a strong emphasis on community engagement, sustainability, and experiential learning aligned with institutional and state priorities.
  • Cultivated partnerships with local organizations to support student-led community initiatives and promote college visibility through public events and service-learning.
  • Designed interactive, media-rich course experiences, including virtual reality-based “Geocollaboratories,” and community mapping projects that showcased the college’s commitment to innovation.
  • Integrated public engagement activities such as cultural events and student exhibitions into curricula, strengthening community relationships, and expanding the college’s presence in the broader Jacksonville area.
  • Contributed to institutional branding and communications by promoting student work through digital storytelling, classroom media, and presentations to university and community audiences.

Director

Nonprofit Leadership Alliance
08.2021 - 05.2022
  • Oversaw all marketing and engagement for student recruitment and alumni engagement related to nonprofit leadership certification.
  • Directed social media, branding, and experiential engagement initiatives.
  • Built local-to-statewide partnerships, fundraising strategies, and events for student professional development.
  • Facilitated workshops and programs for community stakeholders
  • Established partnerships with local/state schools to increase program enrollment.
  • Coordinated volunteer teams, enhancing program delivery and community engagement.

RJ McElroy Professor of Nonprofit Management

University of Northern Iowa
08.2021 - 05.2022
  • Directed marketing, public relations, and student engagement efforts for the university’s Nonprofit Management undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including communications strategy, content creation, and program branding across print, digital, and social platforms.
  • Oversaw community engagement initiatives that included fundraising campaigns, service-learning projects, workshops, and public-facing events in collaboration with local organizations such as the Cedar Falls Community Foundation and the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley.
  • Led communications with prospective students and alumni through digital newsletters, CRM-driven outreach, and targeted promotional materials that elevated the program’s visibility and supported recruitment goals.
  • Supervised student teams producing digital and print media for community partners, developing practical skills in communications, promotions, and outreach.
  • Represented the program at university-wide events, high school outreach, and academic showcases to build awareness, attract applicants, and strengthen stakeholder relations.
  • Contributed to strategic planning, marketing initiatives, and accreditation processes, providing data, narratives, and communications aligned with institutional priorities.
  • Taught undergraduate and graduate courses in philanthropy, community engagement, service and outreach, financial management, fundraising, event management, communication and public relations, board management; integrated real-world marketing and community engagement assignments into course design.

Owner & Executive Manager

Vintage Arts Decor & Studio
03.2014 - 08.2021
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
  • Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
  • Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
  • Founded and scaled an award-winning brick-and-mortar and e-commerce business, achieving $1M in annual revenue through innovative, multi-channel marketing, community engagement, and strategic brand development.
  • Designed and executed an integrated communications and marketing strategy—including e-commerce website, social media campaigns, public relations outreach and events, press releases, live-streamed shopping events, and a branded YouTube series—resulting in exponential audience growth and regional recognition.
  • Secured frequent earned media coverage as a featured retail expert on WJAX-TV (CBS/FOX) and speaker at regional home shows, enhancing public visibility and brand authority through live TV, radio, and public appearances.
  • Developed and led high-impact community and promotional events designed to build customer loyalty, drive traffic, and establish the brand as a cultural hub—skills directly applicable to college outreach, engagement, and recruitment initiatives.
  • Created and implemented a crisis communications and operations pivot plan during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a 300% increase in online sales and maintaining brand momentum.
  • Oversaw all internal operations including budgeting, staff training, payroll, vendor relations, inventory control, community outreach and customer engagement strategies—aligning business growth with community values.
  • Received multiple awards for leadership and business excellence, including Best Local Boutique, Best in Business, Best New Retail Store, and Women Empowered Leadership Award from Jacksonville Magazine.
  • Successfully sold the business in 2021 after building a scalable brand with a loyal regional following and strong digital presence.

Associate Director

Crisis Management Institute, University of Florida
04.2012 - 07.2016
  • Supported and led community engagement, public relations, and strategic communication efforts for a high-profile university institute focused on crisis preparedness, crisis communications, and business operations.
  • Established strong relationships with key industry partners, creating mutually beneficial opportunities for knowledge creation and translation.
  • Developed grant proposals, outreach campaigns, and program strategies supporting student development, enrollment visibility, and community engagement—submitting over $5M in proposals to NIH, NSF, and state foundations.
  • Implemented data-driven decision-making strategies, leading to more informed decision-making, increased partners, funded projects, and graduate student enrollments.
  • Mentored junior staff members and students, providing project management and professional development guidance.
  • Published funded research in high-impact scientific journals, delivered invited presentations at local-to-global industry and government events, represented UF and the Institute in the media.







Produced award-winning content for print, digital, and academic channels, including brochures, social media campaigns, and co-authored publications used in recruitment and institutional branding.

Presented research and communication strategies to stakeholders at community events, academic symposia, and government briefings, strengthening the institute’s reputation and broadening public access to university expertise.

Maintained strategic relationships with nonprofit and government partners including the Riverside Arts Market and St. Johns Cultural Council, enhancing visibility of UF's community presence.

Supervised student teams and mentored co-authors for public-facing research, resulting in national recognition for effective crisis communication using social media.

Aligned institutional messaging with enrollment, safety, and public outreach priorities during public health campaigns and environmental challenges.

Associate Director, Friedham Tourism Institute

University of Florida
11.2010 - 07.2016


  • Established strong relationships with key industry, academic, and government partners, creating mutually beneficial opportunities for growth and collaboration.
  • Managed cross-functional teams for multiple large-scale projects, completing each on time and within budget constraints.
  • Managed budgets, grant portfolios ($5M+ in proposals), and outreach campaigns.
  • Published award-winning research articles in high-impact scientific journals and translated findings for websites, press releases, and trade publications.

Assistant Professor

University of Florida
08.2010 - 07.2016


  • Designed and led high-impact student engagement programs, including internships, capstone projects, and study abroad experiences that enhanced the College’s public profile and alumni networks.
  • Provided leadership and service to numerous strategic planning and communications bodies, including the UF President’s Cultural Tourism Board, Creative Campus Committee, and UF Harn Museum of Art Board—advancing the institution’s outreach and cultural presence.
  • Served as faculty lead for the UF–Brock University–Walt Disney World Internship Program, managing marketing communications, branding, and program visibility while cultivating industry and community partnerships.
  • Created and taught courses in branding and marketing, research, digital storytelling, tourism and hospitality management, event promotions and operations, stakeholder management, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
  • Produced award-winning online education initiatives and consistently exceeded student satisfaction benchmarks, contributing to college-wide communication and engagement strategies.
  • Managed cross-departmental collaborations to develop new degree programs and promotional materials, including the launch of the Hospitality and Event Management degree.
  • Oversaw outreach for student recruitment, alumni engagement, and stakeholder relations through speaking events, publications, and conference representation across local, national, and international audiences.
  • Served as internship coordinator for hundreds of students; liaised with employers, designed program collateral, and advised on student placement strategy aligned with industry and college branding goals.







    Recognized for public engagement excellence with the Online Education Excellence Award (2015), International Educator of the Year (2011), and named one of Gainesville’s “25 Most Interesting People” by Insite Magazine (2012).

Director, International Community Engagement

World Leisure Organization
01.2004 - 12.2012
  • Led the development and execution of global marketing, branding, and public relations strategies to promote major organizational initiatives, resulting in 3000% stakeholder growth and sustained multi-continent engagement.
  • Produced and managed international advertising and multimedia campaigns across digital, print, radio, and video platforms to promote programs and global events
  • Designed and distributed promotional collateral, including brochures, newsletters, press releases, and branded merchandise.
  • Managed official websites and digital content, overseeing timely updates, visual design, and cross-functional and cross-cultural input to ensure strategic alignment with brand standards and stakeholder needs.
  • Planned, promoted, and executed large-scale global events (e.g., World Leisure Congresses in China, South Korea, and Canada) with 7,500+ attendees and 300 VIP delegates; oversaw all communications, event media production, and on-site team coordination.
  • Built and maintained high-level member and stakeholder relationships across government, academia, nonprofit, and private sectors to support engagement, organizational reputation, and international presence.
  • Provided communications leadership during high-profile international negotiations, including briefings, speechwriting, and public representation for the Secretary General and the Board of Directors.
  • Supervised and trained diverse communications teams and volunteers, including on-site media staff for six-month events with 18 million+ visitors; oversaw vendor and sponsor relations, contract negotiations, and promotional item sourcing.
  • Collaborated across global partner institutions to execute integrated, multi-lingual communications plans, strategic planning priorities, and community engagement initiatives.
  • Leveraged data analytics insights for informed decision-making in critical areas such as budgeting, engagement forecasting, and personal management.

Director, National Initiatives

Canadian Parks and Recreation Association
01.2006 - 12.2008
  • Led national communications strategies, public engagement forums, marketing collateral development, and branding campaigns.
  • Hosted stakeholder events, facilitated bilingual engagement campaigns, and coordinated media outreach.
  • Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and mission-driven leadership.
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
  • Developed the first Canadian Research Agenda for the parks and recreation sector through a collaborative and iterative process, proven research methods, and strategic communications.

Education

Ph.D. - Geography

University of Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada
04-2009

Master of Arts - Geography And Environmental Studies

Carleton University
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
05-2005

Bachelor of Arts - Environmental Management

Carleton University
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
04-2002

Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) - Nonprofit Management

Nonprofit Leadership Alliance
12-2021

Graduate Certificate - One Health

University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
12-2013

Skills

  • Higher Education Leadership & Administration
  • Strategic Communications & Branding
  • Community & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Digital Marketing & Social Media Management
  • Public & Media Relations
  • Website Management & UX Strategy
  • Event Planning & Promotions
  • Budget Management, Fundraising, & Grant Writing
  • Research, Evaluation, and Reporting
  • Higher Education Teaching and Adult Learning
  • CRM, Canvas, Adobe, Microsoft Office, SPSS

Timeline

Adjunct Professor, School of Business

Flagler College
08.2022 - Current

Community Engagement Manager

Treasure Beach Property Owner's Association
05.2022 - 05.2025

Director

Nonprofit Leadership Alliance
08.2021 - 05.2022

RJ McElroy Professor of Nonprofit Management

University of Northern Iowa
08.2021 - 05.2022

Adjunct Professor, Coggin Business School

University of North Florida
01.2018 - 12.2024

Owner & Executive Manager

Vintage Arts Decor & Studio
03.2014 - 08.2021

Associate Director

Crisis Management Institute, University of Florida
04.2012 - 07.2016

Associate Director, Friedham Tourism Institute

University of Florida
11.2010 - 07.2016

Assistant Professor

University of Florida
08.2010 - 07.2016

Director, National Initiatives

Canadian Parks and Recreation Association
01.2006 - 12.2008

Director, International Community Engagement

World Leisure Organization
01.2004 - 12.2012

President, Consultant

CLEER Consulting International
01.2003 - Current

Ph.D. - Geography

University of Ottawa

Master of Arts - Geography And Environmental Studies

Carleton University

Bachelor of Arts - Environmental Management

Carleton University

Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) - Nonprofit Management

Nonprofit Leadership Alliance

Graduate Certificate - One Health

University of Florida
Holly M. Donohoe, Ph.D., CNP
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