Holly Cox, a senior associate at ScottMadden, joined the firm in 2023 after receiving an M.B.A., with a concentration in leadership, from the University of Georgia Terry College of Business. In addition to an M.B.A., she received a master’s degree in project management from Colorado State University and is a licensed professional engineer. She also holds B.S. degrees in civil engineering and environmental engineering from the United States Air Force Academy. Holly works in the firm’s energy practice and is a member of the Veterans ERG.
Early Wings
Holly grew up in Golden, Colorado, in a close-knit family with her parents and younger brother. There, Holly was surrounded by a large, extended family that contributed to a lively environment, making her childhood feel like she had 20 siblings instead of just one. A true Coloradan, she spent most of her childhood outdoors, cultivating a love of nature and adventure through activities like camping and hiking in national parks with her family. When she wasn’t on the road, Holly was in the pool. She was an avid swimmer and committed to the hobby throughout high school.
Soaring Through the Academy
It was always a dream of Holly’s to leave Colorado after high school to experience a new adventure away from home. But, after being convinced of the opportunities that military academies could afford, including a top-tier education and career-development experience, Holly committed to the Air Force Academy which was only an hour away from home.
The decision to join the Air Force was somewhat spontaneous and inspired by her older cousin who attended West Point. During her time at the Academy, Holly double majored in civil engineering and environmental engineering, while also participating in intramural sports and taking on cadet leadership roles.
A Global Flight Path
After graduating from the Air Force Academy, Holly’s career took her around the world. Her first assignment was in northern Japan for two years, where she worked as a civil engineer. From repairing airfields to building wartime plans, Holly’s role encompassed infrastructure maintenance and contingency response activities across the base. When she wasn’t working, she took the opportunity to travel across Asia. Some of her favorites were exploring Japan’s ski resorts, hiking Mount Fuji, and visiting places like Tokyo, South Korea, and Bali.
Fast forward a few years, life took Holly to civil engineering in England and designing buildings in Afghanistan, but her most unexpected blueprint was yet to come. After leaving the Air Force for a job in Atlanta, she dove into the world of industrial gases and alternative protein foods, while pursuing an M.B.A. at the University of Georgia. In an attempt to make new friends in a new town, Holly decided to join an Atlanta kickball league, where she met teammate, Ryan, who would later become her husband.
Final Approach
From a meeting with future colleagues at the Veterans M.B.A. conference that led Holly to ScottMadden, her journey has come full circle. After marrying Ryan last November, they are now back in Holly’s home state of Colorado, a plan they had aligned on early in their relationship due to their shared love for the outdoors and the desire to be closer to family. As Holly continues her work remotely, she’s eagerly preparing for their biggest adventure yet—welcoming their first child, a baby boy, in December.