Staff Spotlight: Colette Gannon

Colette Gannon, who recently joined Rapp Strategies as an Assistant Account Executive, brings a background in research, writing and editing, strategic communications and social media management experience to our team. A 2023 graduate of South Dakota State University with a degree in public relations and a minor in digital and social media, she looks forward to diving into the world of public affairs.

“I am delighted to be joining the highly accomplished and passionate team at Rapp Strategies,” Colette says. “The opportunity to work with this group and a variety of clients across numerous sectors is the ideal way to start my career strong as a recent college graduate.”

Prior to joining Rapp Strategies, Colette worked as a strategic communications intern at Xcel Energy in Minneapolis. There, she learned much about the strategic communications needs for Xcel and other utilities like it, while managing web content and aiding public relations initiatives.

In her senior year of college, Colette participated in the American Advertising Federation National Student Advertising Competition, where she created a marketing and communications campaign for client Indeed, Inc. The competition developed her love for research and strategy while improving her public speaking and presentation skills.

From 2021 to winter 2022, Colette also worked as a student writer at her university’s marketing and communications office. Learning about the workings of a higher education institution’s newsroom, she produced written content for university publications, crafted press releases and provided support during on campus media visits.

Colette also served as a reporter for The Collegian, South Dakota State University’s student newspaper, where she strengthened her writing skills and developed her instincts for creating engaging content for all audiences.

“This role at Rapp Strategies is a wonderful opportunity for me to take all I have learned throughout my education to help our clients achieve their goals. I am looking forward to the journey ahead.”

What motivated you to pursue a career in strategic communications?

I have always loved reading, and as I grew older that love extended into a passion for research, writing and storytelling. I feel most fulfilled when I can use these interests to serve a high-level goal, which is what strategic communications is all about.

What is your favorite professional experience?

My time at South Dakota State University’s marketing and communications office not only exposed me to strategic communications, but it strengthened my relationship with the community in a unique way. Interviewing leadership, faculty, students and alumni allowed me to connect with people who I would never have met otherwise.

What is one habit that makes you more successful?

My attention to detail. The smallest tweaks can transform a piece from good to great.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

It varied throughout my youth, but notable ones included an astronaut, teacher, weather reporter and oddly specific for a kid: a historical document preserver.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Being a presenter at the American Advertising Federation National Student Advertising Competition in front of industry leading judges. It was the most nerve-wracking but rewarding thing I have done yet.

What is one thing about you few people know?

Stemming from my childhood passion of reading the Little House on the Prairie series, in high school I worked as a volunteer tour guide at an early 1900’s historical village. And yes, I even dressed up in era-appropriate clothing.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Aim to never be the smartest person in the room.

What is one piece of wisdom you would give your younger self?

Don’t be afraid of failure. It is better to have tried and failed, than to have not tried at all.

When you’re not working, what can you be found doing?

When I’m not working you can find me taking a cycling class, reading, taking a walk with friends and family or spending time at the lake or family cabin.

What is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?

This year I had the opportunity to travel to London and Paris for a class. It’s difficult to pick a favorite out of the two, but I loved London’s beautiful parks and exploring the streets of Paris. My favorite memory was coming across the 2023 Fête du Pain (bread festival) directly at the base of Notre Dame. It smelled wonderful!