The James Protin Podcast

Share Your Gift with Hollie Geitner | The James Protin Podcast

James Protin Season 1 Episode 129

Hollie Geitner believes your story is your gift to the world and leads by the mantra: live with intention; embrace imperfection. 

As director of communications and brand for Duquesne Light Company (DLC), Hollie develops and shares stories to help educate, inform, and inspire their more than 1,800 employees and 600,000 customers in the Pittsburgh region.
 
Prior to her role at DLC, she was vice president, culture and brand ambassador for WordWrite, a public relations and digital marketing agency. During her eight years there she counseled clients on bridging the gap between truth and misunderstanding, especially in times of crisis. 

In addition to her client responsibilities, she was accountable for the firm’s sales and marketing efforts where she collaborated with the entire team to showcase their expertise in the B2B space.
 
Before joining the agency world, she held various PR and marketing positions, including at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Allegheny Energy and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.
 
She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and recently earned the prestigious APR accreditation and was inducted into the PRSA Renaissance Hall of Fame for her 20+ years of career success. 

In 2019, she completed EDGE, a nine-month women’s leadership program offered through the Pittsburgh Technology Council and Align Leadership, as well as the EDGE Compass Senior Leadership program in 2021.
 
Hollie is actively engaged in the community as a member of the Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) of the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania and a member of the WLC Allegheny County Leadership Team. 

Additionally, she serves on the board of Pennsylvania Women Work and volunteers her time as a mentor for the Three Cups of Coffee program. She also supports Light of Life Rescue Mission and Dress for Success. 
 
She received the Community Champion award from the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce and was named a Cribs for Kids Woman of Achievement. In 2022, she was honored as an ATHENA award finalist by the Pittsburgh Technology Council which recognizes women who demonstrate excellence in their profession, contribute to the community, and help other women and girls succeed through mentorship. 

Additionally, she was recognized by Pittsburgh Magazine as a Woman & Business honoree in 2021 and in 2013 as a 40 Under 40 honoree—an annual recognition program managed by Pittsburgh Magazine and the Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project (PUMP).
 
Outside of the office, she enjoys walking the river trails with her chocolate lab and golden retriever, kayaking, reading, crafting at home, vintage shopping, and inspiring her children to chase their dreams.

As always, the visually inclined can catch it on YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.