Kellie Rodrigue, CEM
Kellie Rodrigue, CEM, is a seasoned marketing communications leader with nearly three decades of experience driving high-impact event marketing and brand engagement within the healthcare and ophthalmology sectors. Currently serving as Marketing Communications Manager at Bausch + Lomb Surgical, she specializes in creating strategic, results-driven marketing initiatives that elevate brand presence and foster meaningful connections with healthcare professionals. With a Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) credential and an associate’s degree in Business Administration and Hospitality from Purdue University Global, Kellie combines formal education with deep industry expertise to deliver innovative and memorable marketing experiences.
Throughout her career, Kellie has demonstrated exceptional strength in event strategy, exhibit management, and sponsorship development. She spent two decades with the American Optometric Association, where she managed large-scale annual meetings, exhibit halls, and sponsorship programs, consistently exceeding revenue goals. Notably, she became the first to achieve a million-dollar exhibit sales milestone—earning her the nickname “Million Dollar Baby.” Her ability to cultivate strong industry partnerships and execute complex logistics has been a hallmark of her success, supported by her hands-on leadership and keen attention to detail.
At Bausch + Lomb Surgical, Kellie has continued to expand her impact by transitioning from managing rapidly growing wet lab programs to leading broader marketing communications efforts. She plays a key role in coordinating key opinion leader engagements, supporting internal communications, and amplifying brand messaging across platforms. Recognized with multiple honors—including a company Scrappy Award and industry accolades—Kellie remains driven by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering measurable results. Her passion for mentorship and continuous growth underscores her vision of leading teams and shaping the future of marketing within the healthcare industry.
• Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM)
• Generative AI: Foundations, Applications, and Ethical Use
• Start Writing Prompts like a Pro
• Chancellor's List
• Chancellor's List 4.0
• The Six Morning Habits of High Performers
• Pitching Your Ideas Strategically
• Strategic Thinking
• Economics for Everyone: Understanding a Recession
• Jodi Glickman on Pitching Yourself
• Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement
• Purdue Global - A.A.S.
• Million Dollar Baby (American Optometric Association)
• Scrappy Award (Bausch & Lomb)
• Best Trade Show Award (American Optometric Association)
• St. Louis Society of Association Executives
• STIAL
• American Heart Association Women's Team
• St. Louis Society of Association Executives (SLSAE)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong values instilled in me by my parents. Growing up in a military family, I developed discipline, adaptability, and resilience, while my mother’s faith shaped my sense of integrity and purpose. Although we had limited financial resources, our home was filled with love and support, reinforcing the importance of honesty, kindness, and strong character—qualities I believe cannot be taught and have been essential to my personal and professional growth.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received has come from the many leaders and mentors I’ve worked with, who have shaped not only who I strive to be but also who I choose not to be. Influential figures like Jim Goodman, Sherry Beck, Marianne Grillo, and Dave Sherman each impacted me in meaningful ways—through encouragement, advocacy, resilience, and belief in my potential. Their guidance taught me the importance of confidence, integrity, and supporting others, and I carry those lessons forward with the goal of making a similar impact in my own career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering any industry is to pursue what genuinely excites you—because when you love what you do, it feels less like work and more like purpose. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek help, and step outside your comfort zone early on. Confidence grows with time, but taking initiative and putting yourself out there is key. Get involved, build connections, and explore different paths, especially if you’re still figuring things out. Not everyone has a clear direction right away, and that’s okay—sometimes the journey is about discovering where you fit and allowing that to evolve over time.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field has been the lasting impact of COVID-19, particularly the disruption to meetings and events, which led to significant job losses and instability across the industry. At the same time, there are meaningful opportunities emerging, including the rapid growth of wet labs and increased internal mobility within large organizations like Bausch & Lomb. These shifts create space for professional growth, leadership development, and the chance to mentor others while navigating an evolving landscape.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are ethics, truthfulness, caring, and kindness—principles deeply rooted in how I was raised. With a father in the military and a mother grounded in strong Christian faith, I learned early on that while skills can be taught, character cannot. These core values guide how I lead, collaborate, and build relationships. In my personal life, I prioritize connection and community, especially through time spent with my family at our property along the Gasconade River in Hermann, Missouri. It’s a place where we unwind, enjoy the outdoors, and stay grounded in what matters most—family, nature, and meaningful relationships.
Locations
Bausch + Lomb Surgical
Pacific, MO 63069