Mary Garrett, former vice president of Global Marketing for IBM, has joined the Department of Communication Advisory Council

Mary Garrett

A business-oriented marketing leader, Garrett led teams across the software and services portfolios in 170 markets around the world while at IBM. She currently serves on the boards of directors for Hill-Rom and Ethan Allen. In addition, Garrett is an active mentor in W.O.M.E.N. in America, a professional development group for high profile businesswomen and is chairperson-elect of the American Marketing Association.

The Department of Communication Advisory Council is comprised of a dynamic group of industry veterans dedicated to mentoring communication students. Through this relationship, communication students get unparalleled access to these executives’ expertise and graduate from CofC with a robust knowledge in how to network and build contacts. Council members participate in a mentor-protégé program, serving as a career coaches for communication majors. Students not only are professionally prepared for the real world, but they say that the council members help them focus on a particular area of communication in which they can specialize and thrive.

Advisory Council members have been integral to creating opportunities for communication students. For instance, the council established the John Palmer Communication Award, a scholarship in honor of the late John Palmer. The longtime NBC White House correspondent and anchor for NBC’s Today show was a founding member of the Advisory Council.