Hugh Holman

CEO & Co-Founder, Observa
Seattle, Washington,United States
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Who Is Hugh Holman?

Total Experience42 years
CompanyObserva
CountryUnited States

Clarence Hugh Holman (1914–1981) was a distinguished American literary scholar, critic, and educator, particularly renowned for his expertise in Southern American literature. He served as a professor of English and held significant administrative positions, including Provost, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Holman is perhaps best known as the long-time co-author and reviser of 'A Handbook to Literature,' a seminal reference work for students and scholars of literature, which has gone through numerous editions under various authorships since its inception. His contributions significantly shaped the study of American literature, especially the literature of the American South, through his critical works and editorial efforts.

How Did Hugh Holman's Career Path Shape Their Journey?

Hugh Holman's work history includes a series of influential roles in various companies. Here is a detailed list of his professional journey:

Observa - CEO & Co-Founder(2015 to Present)
Raven's Brew Coffee - Board Member(2022 to Present)
Rad Power Bikes - Board Member(2015 to Present)
Savers - Director of Strategic Initiatives(2013 to 2015)
Aqua Star - EVP & Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)(2010 to 2012)
Washington Mutual, Inc. (WaMu) - Vice President, Technology Solutions Group(2001 to 2005)
Microserv - Manager – Information Technology(1998 to 2001)
Intersect Solutions, Inc. - Manager(1995 to 1997)
Psivox - Founder(1993 to 1995)

What Are Hugh Holman's Key Achievements?

Co-authorship and Revision of 'A Handbook to Literature'

Took over and extensively revised 'A Handbook to Literature' (originally by William Flint Thrall and Addison Hibbard), transforming it into an indispensable reference guide for literary study, widely used by students and academics for decades. His editions (from the 3rd onwards) solidified its status as a cornerstone text.

Pioneering Scholarship in Southern American Literature

Authored influential critical works and essays on Southern American literature, such as 'The Immoderate Past: The Southern Writer and History' and 'Windows on the World: Essays on American Social Fiction.' His scholarship helped to define and elevate its study as a distinct and important field within American literary history.

Academic Leadership at UNC Chapel Hill

Served with distinction in various academic and administrative roles at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, including Kenan Professor, chairman of the English Department, dean of the Graduate School (1956-1962), and provost (1962-1966, 1968-1972), contributing significantly to the university's academic excellence and development.

Guggenheim Fellowship Recipient

Awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1949 for English Literature, recognizing his scholarly potential and supporting his research endeavors early in his career.

What's Hugh Holman's Educational Background?

Masters, Business Administration

University of Washington, Michael G. Foster School of Business - Year 2008

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (BABA), Finance, Albers School of Business

Seattle University - Year 1992

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Company Overview

Observa
Total employees25
HeadquartersSeattle
Founded2015

Observa is a retail intelligence platform that leverages a crowdsourced workforce ('Observers') to gather real-time, in-store data for CPG brands and retailers. Observers use their smartphones to complete tasks like checking product availability, shelf placement, pricing, and promotional compliance, providing businesses with actionable insights to improve retail execution and optimize their presence at the point of sale.

Observa Funding Information
Unknown - Total Funding Raised
$1.5M - Most recent funding amount
4 - Number of funding rounds
1 Sep, 2020 - Latest funding round
Lead Investors:
FUSE
Elevate Capital
Alliance of Angels
Founders' Co-op

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