After an early career as a business reporter, Rob O’Connor expected to eventually move into agency public relations. Instead, a single opportunity led to more than 20 years in higher education – and he assumed the agency path was behind him. That changed in September 2024, when he joined Sells Agency as Senior Public Relations Manager.
Rob’s professional experience spans branding, crisis response, fundraising, publications, marketing and media relations, and strategic planning. As a columnist and reporter, he covered industries ranging from banking and healthcare to manufacturing and small business, earning recognition as the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2006 Arkansas Small Business Journalist of the Year.
“In journalism and PR, you have to be naturally curious,” he said. “Otherwise, you can’t do good work—or enjoy what you do.”
At Sells Agency, Rob supports clients across banking, commercial services, family health, law, and nonprofit sectors. He enjoys the variety and the opportunity to learn from experts who care deeply about serving their communities.
Rob has placed news stories and thought leadership pieces in local, state, and national outlets on topics including agriculture, commercial construction, disaster preparation, economic development, financial planning, philanthropy, and small business. “As a former journalist, I love working with editors and reporters,” he said. “It’s gratifying to bring them strong stories that meet their needs and highlight the value they deliver to their readers.”
He holds a bachelor’s degree in history, a master’s in professional and technical writing, and a graduate certificate in conflict management. Rob and his wife live in Conway and have two sons and a senior rescue dog. He is a member of the Arkansas chapter of PRSA and plans to complete his Accreditation in Public Relations in 2026.
“It’s no surprise Sells Agency has so many longtime associates and clients,” he said. “The team is talented, ego-free, supportive – and truly inspiring.”
