Dr. Holly Richardson is a writer, speaker, humanitarian, and world traveler. Her first academic degree was as a Registered Nurse, then after a 30-year break from school, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication focusing on Public Relations, followed by a Master’s degree in Professional Communication and earned her Ph.D. in Political Science, focusing on nonprofit administration and international relations. A former Republican member of the Utah House of Representatives, she has been actively involved in Utah politics for more than 20 years. She has been a regular newspaper columnist for more than 9 years, is the editor of Utah Policy, a daily newsletter and the cohost of Inside Sources, a daily radio show on KSL.

Holly Richardson
Editor, Utah Policy, Host, Inside Sources, Deseret News/KSL
Salt Lake City, Utah
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Speaker levelProfessional Speaker
Primary sectorsGovernment & public sector · Media, marketing & communications · Nonprofit & philanthropy
Utah focusYes
About
Read the extended bio
Dr. Holly Richardson is in the people business! She knows to her core that her story and her perspective is only one of many. We can learn something from everyone. She believes that all people have rich histories and stories that need to be heard, validated and celebrated. She loves teaching and supporting the development and success of others.
With over 20 years of experience in communication, public affairs, public policy and humanitarian work, Holly is passionate about sharing stories and news that informs, inspires, and engages the public. As the editor at Utah Policy, columnist at the Deseret News, and host of Inside Sources, her mission is to share stories and news that matter, and to foster a constructive and respectful dialogue among diverse audiences.
She has a PhD in Political Science from the University of Utah, where she researched the impact of burnout on volunteer humanitarian team leaders. She also has a master's degree in Professional Communication from Southern Utah University, and a bachelor's degree in Communication/Public Relations from Utah Valley University.
In addition to her editorial role, she is also an Advisory Council member for The Dignity Index, an organization committed to preventing violence, easing divisions and solving problems. She also adjuncts at local universities.
Additionally, she has been on multiple international humanitarian trips, working to provide humanitarian aid to refugees and displaced people around the world. She is also the mother to a large and diverse family of 19 living children, 25 total.
Speaking formats
Experience level
Professional Speaker
Frequent / professional speaker (10+ speaking engagements in the last 2–3 years)
Signature talks
- Hope Works: Lessons in Love: https://youtu.be/TAOkjpS-Km0?si=VedUjK_pqGv6imVE
- TedX: When Following Your Heart Leads to Burnout: https://youtu.be/7zqdzyo_cg8?si=ONZD5sVEoI0uamKl
- TedX: Cross the Ocean or Cross the Street: https://youtu.be/kbjBBhT-yqg?si=dlz_NJC0wOvgCDaa
Media & video
- Host | Inside Sources | KSL Newsradio | Every weekday
- “A Woman’s View,” KSL | 06/2025, 02/2025, 10/2024, 07/2024
- “Elevate” Podcast | Women’s Leadership Institute | 04/2024
- Church News Podcast | 05/2023
- UVU “Women in Business Impact Lab” Podcast | 03/2023, 04/2021
- “Relentlessly Resilient” | KSL | 08/2021
Selected engagements
- “Dealing with Burnout in Today’s Political Environment,”
- “Navigating the Double Bind for Women Leaders,”
- “Working within the Utah political system,”
- “Teaching Media Literacy,” Alpine School District
- “Media and Messaging,” Utah Women Run Winter Conference
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