Dr. Rita Holmes-Bobo Lp.D, Mba, Cde Email & Phone Number

Minneapolis, Minnesota, Us

• Partnered with firm leadership to develop and implement initiatives/policies to attract, develop, retain, and advance talent from historically underrepresented backgrounds.• Collaborated with internal committees and departments focused on hiring, professional development, mentoring, legal project management, and marketing to further the firm’s diversity objectives.• Developed guidelines and policies for DEI resource groups and emergency communications.

20+ U.S. Offices, Us

Collaborated with the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee and other internal and external groups to develop strategic approaches and implement initiatives and programs to help achieve the firm’s goal of improving the recruitment, professional development, retention, and promotion of diverse attorneys.- Led the development of the DEI Committee’s first two-year strategic plan to guide efforts for successful outcomes, set clear expectations, and establish accountability.- Restructured the Diversity and Inclusion team to better meet the needs of the firm by adding the roles of Diversity and Inclusion Manager and Diversity and Inclusion Data Analyst without increasing the staffing budget.- Created new diversity and inclusion training materials and served as a trainer on topics including “The Impact of Implicit Bias,” “The Business Case for Diversity and Inclusion,” and “Authenticity in the Workplace.” Served as a CLE trainer for the Missouri Bar Association and the Missouri Assistant Attorney General’s conference. Served as a co-creator and panelist for client collaborations to promote diversity and inclusion.- Revitalized efforts to demonstrate support of community and law-related organizations’ diversity and inclusion programs in the 18 cities in which the firm operates.-Launched: o The inaugural Diversity Retreat for attorneys of color and LGBTQ attorneys; o Diversity Champion Award program to recognize those demonstrating extraordinary support of diversity and inclusion in the firm; o Inclusion Index to create awareness regarding the level of diversity within client teams.

Olathe, Ks, Us

Identified need for launching the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion function. Served dual role for five months (KVC EVP and Niles CEO). Served as the organization’s chief strategist and adviser for promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, cultural awareness, and sensitivity throughout KVC. Responsible for creating an organizational standard around diversity.- Created a three-year strategic plan to launch and manage the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion function.- Trained 700+ employees in five states on topics including the business case for diversity and inclusion, implicit bias, and cultural competency.- Built community relations to broaden diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. - Successfully recruited employees for enterprise-wide diversity council and developed framework for business resource groups.- KC Business Journal panelist, “Discussion on Minorities and Women in the Workplace.”- University of Kansas Daily Kansan, panelist “Women Discuss Pay Gap.”

Olathe, Ks, Us

Changed the trajectory of a non-profit struggling to remain a viable behavioral and mental health resource to the urban community. Led identifying and evaluating three organizations considered for merger/partnership with Niles. Preserved the organization’s legacy and ensured equity during the six-month process of merging Niles with KVC Health Systems.- In the first 18 months as CEO, led a restructuring of Nile’s A/P, A/R, and HR processes, stabilizing financial performance and program services. Developed a strategic plan to advance the agency’s mission and vision, promoted increased revenue, reduced expenses, and enhanced programmatic services, and raised $400,000 for facility improvements. - Supported the Board of Directors to ensure integrity and strength of Board leadership, fulfillment of governance roles, updates to bylaws/policies, and enhanced board membership.- Collaborated with legal counsel and Board during the legal process of the merger, resulting in a “new” KVC Niles with a $1.3M renovation and revamped programming while preserving the organization’s legacy.

St. Louis, Mo, Us

Managed a six-member team responsible for creating and implementing a strategic, integrated communications program designed to build and strengthen the company's reputation as a performance leader in the electric and gas utility industries. Initiatives included customer education and engagement, regulatory and legislative issues, media relations, advertising, and marketing. Sponsored a program to enhance interactions of diverse high school athletes.- Led development and launch of a $7.5 million, three-year communications and community relations plan to increase customer satisfaction; a $400,000 award-winning campaign to increase customer engagement and satisfaction; Facebook community increased 1775%.- Developed corporate executive communication materials, including employee letters, editorial board meeting prep materials, talking points for interviews, and speeches; provided communications counsel on legislative, regulatory, and legal issues; managed media relations and served as company spokesperson.- Launched a business segment social media presence to engage and educate customers.Led development and launch of a $7.5 million, three-year communications and community relations plan to increase customer satisfaction; a $400,000 award-winning campaign to increase customer engagement and satisfaction; Facebook community increased 1775%.

St. Louis, Mo, Us

Developed and executed strategic communications plans for healthcare industry clients representing various sectors, including telemedicine, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare systems. Plans included media engagement, crisis communication, thought leadership, and system-wide celebrations. Conducted media training for company spokespersons. - Developed effective and consistent messaging tools across a decentralized healthcare system, regional offices, and functional groups. Secured media placements in key publications such as the Wall Street Journal.- Prepared written materials and oversaw the production of publications, micro web sites, literature, presentations, and other collateral materials in support of the public relations, communications, and marketing programs of clients.

Leveraged media outreach to strengthen the company’s position in the specialty pharmacy marketplace and expand presence with Middle Market clients. Coordinated the launch of a program to increase diversity in student pharmacy programs.- Secured national and regional media coverage. Placed specialty pharmacy by-lined articles in trade publications, including "Drug Benefit Trends," "Benefits and Compensation Solutions," "Benefits and Compensation Digest," and "Best’s Review." Increased media placement of by-lined articles from zero to seven in one year. - Prepared senior-level executives for media engagement and other external communications opportunities. Media appearances included ABC News, CNBC, and local media outlets.- Managed advocacy communication activities for the passage of legislation. Supported medical director’s Washington DC press briefing, secured media interviews, and wrote bylined articles and Op-Ed placements "Biotechnology Healthcare," "The Boston Globe," "Specialty Pharmacy News," and the "Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal."- Served on task force responsible for creating community engagement projects to leverage location of company’s new HQ on university campus. Managed activities leading to a segment appearing on CNBC’s “On the Money” highlighting the new HQ location.

Doctorate Law And Policy

Utility Industry Executive Program

Mba, Marketing / Organizational Behavior

B.S., Business Administration