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Chief Operating Officer
Rebecca Ballard
Rebecca serves as Purple’s COO, leading the firm’s operations and working closely with its leadership to advance strategic priorities, strengthen organizational effectiveness and support Purple’s continued growth. Since joining Purple in 2020, she has taken on increasingly broad leadership responsibilities across the firm, including serving as its first Chief of Staff. Drawing on a background in communications and client service, she brings a distinct ability to connect people and priorities and translate vision into action across the organization.
Rebecca began her career at Public Strategies, a business advisory firm specializing in public affairs, crisis management and public opinion research, where she advised clients across a broad range of industries, including automotive, retail, manufacturing, health care, energy, and financial and professional services. Following the firm’s merger with Hill+Knowlton Strategies, a global communications consultancy, she held a series of leadership roles guiding internal and external communications, leading the agency’s Washington office, and shaping its people and culture. She is a proud alumna of Murray State University, where she was the inaugural recipient of the university’s Distinguished Young Alumni Award, and of American University. Her work has also been recognized by PRWeek’s 40 Under 40 and the YWCA of St. Louis Academy of Leaders.
“I started out partnering with brands and leaders to help them discover and share their stories. More recently, I’ve found a passion in helping to shape and develop organizations and people I care about to have brighter, richer, more meaningful stories to tell.”
“One piece of advice I give my mentees is not to worry so much about where your journey is leading you. No one can see that far ahead. Try new things and take the twists and turns that come your way, confident in the fact that no time is wasted, and you will be able to apply everything you learn in ways you cannot yet imagine. The journey is the whole point. Embrace it.”
“I truly believe in the power of our industry to do good in the world. We live in a time of so much division, distrust and fear – things that cannot persist in the face of authentic connection with the people on the other sides of issues. As pathfinders, storytellers and connectors, we can help bridge gaps, bring healing and build understanding that is needed today.”