Carla Swallow
Some of the most important scientific work in the world goes unheard, not because it lacks value, but because it lacks a connection to the public. Carla understands how to bridge that gap by combining strategic communications, with creativity, a strong marketing background, and authentic storytelling to bring science to life and inspire support for conservation, wildlife, and Gulf research.
Before joining the Harte Research Institute, Carla, a bilingual communications and marketing strategist, spent eight years leading marketing, brand, and communications for the Texas State Aquarium, where she developed award-winning campaigns that helped elevate the organization's visibility and conservation mission and reach new markets. Through strategic marketing and authentic storytelling, she helped grow the Aquarium's Instagram community from 12,000 to over 100,000 followers and generated more than 315 million social media impressions across platforms, building an engaged audience that cared deeply about the aquarium, wildlife, and marine conservation.
Her media relations efforts brought the aquarium's wildlife rescue and conservation work to audiences across the state, the country and the globe, earning coverage in NPR, Reuters, ABC World News Tonight, Newsweek, and The New York Times, while generating millions of dollars in earned media value. As the Aquarium's Spanish-language spokesperson, Carla regularly represented the organization in bilingual media interviews and community outreach efforts, expanding its reach and strengthening connections with diverse communities.
Her creative work has earned two Telly Awards, recognition from the American Marketing Association, and multiple honors from the American Advertising Federation. In 2025, she was voted Best Public Relations Manager / Publicist by the American Advertising Federation Coastal Bend, where she currently serves as President-Elect, supporting and connecting advertising professionals across the region.
Guided by a lifelong love of wildlife and the outdoors, she is committed to building meaningful connections between people, science, and the environment while advancing the Institute's mission to protect and sustain the Gulf for future generations. The Gulf has a story worth telling. She is here to tell it.
When not behind a camera or keyboard, Carla can be found enjoying time with her family hiking in Big Bend National Park, exploring the mountains of Ecuador, or sailing Corpus Christi Bay.