Hollis Burnett (she/her/they) is a seasoned marketing professional with over a decade of experience helping clients navigate the complexities of marketing and reach their goals in creative, impactful ways. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Hollis grew up surrounded by music, culture, and a vibrant community that shaped their perspective on creativity and connection. From an early age, they played piano and cello, performing in orchestras and immersing themselves in genres ranging from classical to hip-hop. These experiences cultivated a love for collaboration and an appreciation for the importance of resonating with an audience – skills that would later define their approach to marketing.
Hollis attended a visual and performing arts high school, where their artistic talents flourished. While music was central to their life, they realized they didn’t want to pursue it professionally but still wanted it to remain an important part of their identity. They decided to study music business in college, a path that allowed them to combine their creative passion with their growing interest in strategy and organization. Their coursework included a mix of finance, marketing, and jazz piano, alongside classical music composition. Hollis enjoyed bridging the gap between creative expression and practical application, a balance they continue to pursue in their professional life.
After earning their degree, Hollis began their career in Boston, working in operations and sales for local arts organizations. During this time, they also interned in SEO, which sparked a deep interest in understanding how people search for information and how businesses can align with those needs. SEO appealed to their analytical side, offering a fascinating blend of technical problem-solving and consumer psychology. Eager to dive deeper into marketing, Hollis joined a small startup agency where they gained hands-on experience in paid search, SEO strategy, and reputation management. Working with clients ranging from small businesses to major fitness brands, they developed a holistic understanding of how different elements of marketing come together to drive success.
Over time, Hollis expanded their skill set by taking on roles at larger agencies, where they worked on diverse campaigns across industries. Seeking new challenges and a change of pace, they relocated to Philadelphia, a city that resonated with their artistic and personal sensibilities. Philadelphia’s rich arts scene, cultural diversity, and unique blend of grit and charm quickly made it feel like home. Professionally, the move marked a turning point in their career, as they took on a leadership role at a creative agency.
In their new role, Hollis helped build and lead the agency’s media team from the ground up. They established processes that streamlined workflows, evaluated new tools to enhance the agency’s tech stack, and hired and mentored a team of specialists. This team managed everything from SEO and paid search to programmatic advertising and traditional media campaigns. Hollis worked closely with research, strategy, analytics, and creative teams, ensuring that all campaigns were seamlessly integrated and aligned with clients’ objectives. They also took pride in being the media expert in the room, helping clients understand how each strategy contributed to their overall success.
Hollis has worked with a wide range of clients, including universities, e-commerce companies, B2B organizations, fitness brands, and consumer goods. They’ve developed integrated marketing plans that span paid search, social media, influencer marketing, programmatic buying, and more. What sets Hollis apart is their ability to combine data-driven insights with creative thinking. They don’t just focus on numbers; they use data as a tool to tell a story and create campaigns that truly connect with people.
Beyond their technical skills, Hollis thrives on collaboration. They love brainstorming with teams, problem-solving with clients, and finding innovative ways to tackle challenges. Whether it’s launching a campaign, building a team, or mentoring a junior colleague, Hollis brings a thoughtful and inclusive approach to their work. They believe that great marketing isn’t just about delivering results – it’s about fostering meaningful connections between brands and their audiences.
Outside of work, Hollis is a regular at live music events, often exploring new genres and local talent. Their love for music extends beyond listening; they’re currently teaching themselves guitar and rediscovering their passion for playing piano. Hollis also enjoys staying active, whether shooting hoops in a pickup basketball game or biking through the streets and trails of Philadelphia. They’re an avid traveler and love the thrill of discovering new places, cultures, and experiences. At home, Hollis enjoys spending time with their two cats, whose antics never fail to bring laughter and joy.
Hollis’s journey from Brooklyn to Boston and now Philadelphia reflects their openness to growth and change. Along the way, they’ve blended their love for creativity with a knack for strategy, building a career that allows them to make a meaningful impact on clients and colleagues alike. For Hollis, marketing is more than just a profession-it’s a way to solve problems, tell stories, and bring people together. Whether they’re crafting a campaign, mentoring a teammate, or discovering a new passion, Hollis approaches life and work with curiosity, care, and a drive to make things better for everyone they encounter. This blend of creativity, adaptability, and collaboration continues to define Hollis’s journey, making them a standout force in the marketing world and beyond.