Hollis Gaffney ’18

From the athletic fields of GPS to the operating rooms of Johnson & Johnson MedTech, Hollis Gaffney ’18 has embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm and determination. A standout student-athlete at GPS, Hollis was deeply involved in soccer, lacrosse, student council, and the spirit squad. She credits her time at GPS with instilling in her the confidence to step outside of her comfort zone and get involved—something that has shaped her college and career path.

“I think it’s important for the women of GPS to get involved, whether it’s theater, student government, or sports,” Hollis shares. “When you get that foundation early on—and GPS encourages it—you’re more likely to get involved in college, whether that’s going to office hours or joining a club. It develops a good foundation for a young adult and impacts their trajectory in college and beyond.”

After GPS, Hollis attended the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, where she initially pursued marine biology before finding her passion in business. She majored in marketing with a minor in supply chain management. “I didn’t want to go to UT at first—I didn’t want to follow in my sister’s footsteps,” she admits. “But all of that changed when I visited. I realized that no matter how big or small a school is, it’s up to you to say yes, get involved, and find your community. GPS helped me learn to raise my hand, speak up, and step into leadership roles.”

The summer before her senior year, Hollis interned with FritoLay and earned a management role with the company’s Charlotte, North Carolina, branch upon graduation. At just 22, she became responsible for overseeing a fleet of trucks and navigating the challenges of leadership. “I was getting to the warehouse at 3:30 in the morning, backing up this huge truck, and these fleet drivers were like … this is who’s going to be managing us?! It was intimidating, but GPS and UT taught me to be confident in my abilities,” she says.

Though she valued the leadership experience, Hollis realized she wanted to work with products that truly inspired her. That led her to the medical device industry, where she now serves as an Advanced Hemostasis and Healing Representative at Johnson & Johnson MedTech in Charlotte. “I love the fact that I have a voice in my territory to help deliver solutions across our hospital systems and work for a company who truly puts the patient first and it’s incredible to see,” she says. “Every day looks different in the OR, and while that unpredictability can be challenging, it also makes my job exciting.”

She also values the strong support system within her company. “At GPS, I had great advisors, coaches, and mentors. Having a good manager is just as important in the professional world,” she explains. “My manager motivates me to be better, and I love that my team has a common goal—helping the patient at the end of the day.”

With a deep appreciation for the friendships, lessons, and experiences GPS provided, Hollis embodies the spirit of a GPS alumna—confident, driven, and always ready for the next challenge.