Delia Garcia to Lead Communications for Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research

Laura Fickett

The Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R) has hired Delia Garcia, Walmart senior communications director, to lead strategic communications and engagement. In this role, Garcia will design communication strategies that advance the institute's mission to cultivate and deploy bold, innovative solutions to complex societal problems.  

"I'm delighted to welcome Delia to the University of Arkansas and our thriving I³R team," said Ranu Jung, executive director of the institute and associate vice chancellor for research and innovation. "It's an exciting time for both the university and the institute as we bring to life the vision of I³R as a new model for driving innovation and stimulating economic development. In addition to being a skilled communications strategist, Delia's expansive public affairs experience and inclusive approach to stakeholder engagement are ideal for the work ahead of us."

"The University of Arkansas is continuing its aggressive course toward sustained excellence in research and innovation," said Margaret E. Sova McCabe, U of A interim vice chancellor for research and innovation. "I³R is on the leading edge of our innovation efforts and is forging new ways to work and think. As I³R's director for strategic communication and engagement, Delia will play a key role in promoting the university and our state as a flourishing hub of creativity and innovation."

Garcia joins I³R from Walmart, where she spent nearly 20 years in various home office and field-based roles with the Walmart Foundation, public affairs and corporate communications teams. Within her vast corporate experience, she's led campaigns to build multi-million-dollar capital projects, shaped state and local policy and managed crisis communications. Most recently, she led Walmart's benefits and compensation communications and was responsible for a broad and complex communications portfolio impacting 1.6 million U.S.-based associates.

"I'm honored and excited to work with such a distinguished, talented and purpose-driven group of people who are immensely passionate about making a positive societal impact," Garcia said. "I³R's convergence approach to solving big societal problems is a game-changer and puts it at the forefront of creativity and transformative discovery. I'm excited to showcase the cutting-edge work the institute is doing in developing life-improving products, as well as share how the institute is driving regional economic development and the recognition of Northwest Arkansas as a thriving hub of innovation."

"Because of the strength of our workforce, our businesses and our communities, Arkansas is primed for long-term economic growth," said Mike Malone, U of A vice chancellor for economic development. "The University of Arkansas has a significant role to play in shaping the state's economic future, and I³R, as an engine for industry collaboration and innovation, will lead the charge. Delia's government, non-profit and corporate experience provides a unique perspective that aligns with I³R's mission and vision. I'm thrilled to welcome her to the team." 

Prior to Walmart, Delia served as president and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and held leadership positions at the Arizona Department of Commerce and Arizona Secretary of State's Office. She began her career at the City of Phoenix Community and Economic Development Department. Garcia is a Truman Scholar and Woodrow Wilson Fellow and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Mary's College and a Master of Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School.

About the Institute for Integrative and Innovation Research: Established in July 2020 through a five-year $195 million grant from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation, the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research brings together thought leaders and change-makers to create innovative solutions to wicked problems. We discover, develop, deliver, and deploy at scale to produce meaningful societal impact that improves quality of life and promotes economic development. Learn more at i3r.uark.edu.