Carolyn Smith Casertano, APR, is a Professor of Practice in the Department of Communication at the University of Arizona. She received her MA in Communication and Leadership from Gonzaga University and her BA in Journalism from the University of Arizona.

She is an award-winning communications professional with over two decades of professional expertise in strategic planning, message development and implementation, media relations, crisis communications, thought leadership, advocacy and brand positioning. She has worked for a variety of clients within the non-profit, corporate and agency sector, and owns CC Communications, LLC, specializing in marketing, communications and public relations. She recently completed the Advanced Crisis Communication Certificate Program through the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

Carolyn is an accredited public relations professional (APR) by the Public Relations Society of America and a member of the Public Relations Division of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC). She is an alumna of Lambda Pi Eta, the official Communication Studies honor society of the National Communication Association. She serves as a Regional Representative for PRSA, providing field service and advocacy for the North Pacific and Western Districts of PRSA, covering 11 states and the 27 local chapters within those districts, and their members. Additionally, Carolyn is the Vice Chair for the national Communications Committee for the PRSA Educators Academy, and served on the Board of Directors for the Western District of PRSA. She is a past president of the Southern Arizona chapter of PRSA and was named the 2020 Public Relations Professional of the Year. She is the faculty adviser for the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) University of Arizona chapter, speaks frequently to students and professional communicators, and participates on numerous volunteer committees in Southern Arizona. She received the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Western District 2022 Platinum Service Award for her ‘commitment to the field of public relations, outstanding leadership in her professional and community endeavors and ongoing support to her home chapter and the Western District.’