Carin Campbell Smith
Carin Campbell Smith is an accomplished communications and leadership professional with over two decades of experience transforming how organizations and leaders connect and communicate. After graduating from the University of Florida in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication News, Carin began her career as a TV news anchor for an NBC affiliate in the Florida Panhandle. She later transitioned into teaching before moving into public relations and communications, serving in local government and higher education. Notably, she spent six years as Communications Director at Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, managing communications for nearly 30 principal investigators and leading a dynamic communications team.
Since 2018, Carin has served as Communications Director and Leadership Team Member at the St. Lucie County Tax Collector’s Office, where she oversees internal and external communications, website and social media strategy, video production, and a high-volume print shop. Her leadership extends beyond operations, as she actively coaches and mentors employees, fostering professional growth and engagement. Drawing from her extensive experience in media, PR, and organizational leadership, Carin has become known for her ability to build trust, improve retention, and drive measurable organizational growth.
As The Conscious Communication Coach™, Carin now teaches leaders and organizations to cultivate self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven communication. Her coaching emphasizes that how leaders relate to themselves shapes how they connect with others, enabling more effective, resilient, and inspired teams. Outside of her professional work, Carin is a proud mother of two teenage boys and an active contributor to her community, holding leadership roles in the Florida Public Relations Association and serving on the boards of Sunrise Kiwanis and Main Street Fort Pierce.
• University of Florida - B.S.
• Valedictorian of Leadership Class 2021
• Member of the Year
• FPRA Treasure Coast Chapter 2022
• Florida Public Relations Association Treasure Coast Chapter
• Florida Public Relations Association Executive Committee
• Sunrise Kiwanis member
• Main Street Fort Pierce
• Sunrise Kiwanis
• Main Street Fort Pierce
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to building my platform as the Conscious Communication Coach, which grew out of a major life transition—ending a 20-year emotionally abusive marriage and reconnecting with myself. In sharing my journey on social media, I found that many in midlife resonated with the questions I faced about fulfillment and self-discovery.
From there, I began teaching and guiding others, translating my personal growth into practical strategies. What I’m most proud of is the impact my work has on helping people find clarity, empowerment, and healing.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that you can build a career you love while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Finding work that brings both joy and purpose has guided me to focus on helping people in ways that feel authentic and fulfilling.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: you can build a career you love—just keep going and never give up. Persistence, resilience, and belief in yourself are key to navigating challenges and creating a path that’s both fulfilling and impactful.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field is the rapid growth of coaching and leadership development. More people are seeking guidance and support, which allows me to expand my impact as a coach. At the same time, the increasing number of professionals entering this space creates healthy competition and motivates me to continuously refine my approach.
In my current role in public-sector communications, high-volume, service-oriented environments—such as DMV and registration operations—present unique challenges. Effectively managing operational communications in these fast-paced settings requires clarity, consistency, and adaptability. Balancing these responsibilities while pursuing my coaching career is both a challenge and an exciting opportunity for growth.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me in both my work and personal life are self-connection, authenticity, and conscious communication. Having come through a long, emotionally abusive marriage, I’ve learned the importance of knowing yourself and living freely. This journey has shaped my approach to leadership and coaching, allowing me to help others embrace their true selves, communicate consciously, and build fulfilling, successful lives.