Breakout Session Speaker

Join this panel discussion with a diverse group of C-suite leaders in a variety of roles and across industries (healthcare administration, business development, nonprofit, publishing, and retail.) These panelists will share their thoughts on leading with courage and clarity, current challenges, and lessons learned on the way to, and in, the C-Suite.

Karla Wiles is the Chief Talent and Communications Officer at EBSCO Industries in Birmingham, Alabama, where she leads people strategy, branding, and communications across the company’s diverse portfolio of businesses. A transformational leader with deep roots in advertising and marketing, she is known for challenging the status quo, driving change, cultivating inclusive, people-focused cultures, and building authentic brands that connect with both customers and employees. From 2020 to 2023, Karla also served as President of EBSCO’s Consumer Subscription Services, steering a national waiting-room magazine subscription business through the global pandemic while advancing a digital transformation and optimizing profit. Previously, she led the development of EBSCO’s in-house digital agency, served as Senior Vice President of Marketing at Books-A-Million, and was Executive Vice President of Client Services for a Birmingham advertising agency. Active in the Birmingham community, Karla serves on boards including Momentum Leaders and Birmingham Corps and has supported United Way in various roles, reflecting her commitment to leadership, opportunity, and helping others achieve their potential beyond the workplace.