Michelle (Calhoun) Holford
About Michelle (Calhoun) Holford
Michelle (Calhoun) Holford serves as the Global Head of Public Relations at Cognite AS, where she focuses on positioning brands as industry leaders through strategic public relations efforts. With extensive experience in the field, she has worked with notable clients and held various leadership roles throughout her career.
Current Role at Cognite AS
Michelle Holford serves as the Global Head of Public Relations at Cognite AS, a position she has held since 2019. In this role, she operates from both Oslo, Norway, and Austin, Texas. Holford focuses on positioning Cognite as an industry leader through strategic public relations initiatives. Her responsibilities include developing key messages and amplifying the brand's presence in multiple markets worldwide.
Previous Experience in Public Relations
Prior to her current role, Holford held several significant positions in the public relations sector. She worked as Vice President at Bradford Public Relations from 2013 to 2019, and as a Group Manager at Weber Shandwick from 2008 to 2013. Additionally, she served as Executive Director of Programs at the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce from 1996 to 1999 and as Community Relations Director for the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District from 1999 to 2008.
Educational Background
Holford has an extensive educational background. She studied at Sam Barlow High School and later attended Pacific Lutheran University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations. She furthered her education at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, obtaining a Master of Science degree. Additionally, she studied at Drake University, enhancing her knowledge in the field.
Expertise and Specializations
Michelle Holford possesses expertise in various areas of public relations, including media relations, public affairs, speechwriting, and content creation. She specializes in creating a 'surround sound' for brands, collaborating with clients, partners, and government leaders to amplify key messages. Her experience includes working with high-profile clients such as Ford Motor Company, FedEx, Facebook, Bank of America, and the United States Army.
Career Timeline
Holford's career in public relations spans several roles and organizations. She began as Assistant Director of Alumni Relations at Augsburg College from 1993 to 1996. After that, she transitioned to the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District, where she worked until 2008. Following this, she spent five years at Weber Shandwick before moving to Bradford Public Relations. Her current position at Cognite AS marks a significant milestone in her career.