DES MOINES, Iowa – (July 30, 2026) – Altus CXO, a leading provider of fractional executive leadership, today announced that Jeff Huggins and Steve Carlson have joined the firm as Chief Communication Officers (CCOs). These additions expand Altus CXO’s executive bench with accomplished leaders in strategic communication.
As CCOs, Huggins and Carlson will advise clients on executive communications, internal and external communications, change management, thought leadership, media relations, crisis preparedness, and integrated marketing communication strategies that align business objectives with stakeholder expectations.
Huggins brings more than three decades of executive leadership and consulting experience, advising boards of directors, executive teams, and organizations across diverse industries. Throughout his career, he has helped organizations translate complex business challenges into clear, compelling strategies that strengthen stakeholder confidence and support sustainable growth.
Carlson also brings decades of executive experience in organizational communications, public affairs, government relations, executive counseling, and stakeholder engagement. He has successfully led communication strategies during periods of organizational growth, transformation, and change while helping executive teams effectively engage employees, customers, community leaders, and business partners.
According to Michelle Book, CEO of Altus CXO, organizations today need more than effective messaging; they need strategic communication that drives business outcomes.
“Jeff and Steve each are seasoned executive leaders who bring trusted advisory experience. I’m confident that they can help our clients communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and impact.”
Michelle Book, CEO, Altus CXO
Strategic Partnership Expands Communications Capabilities
Altus CXO executives also announced that Huggins Consulting Group, led by Catherine Huggins, President, has been selected as a strategic subcontractor supporting the firm’s new strategic communications service line.
The partnership combines Altus CXO’s executive leadership model with Huggins Consulting Group’s specialized capabilities in integrated marketing communications, brand strategy, content development, digital engagement, executive visibility, and stakeholder communications.
Together, Altus CXO and Huggins Consulting Group will provide organizations with a comprehensive communications solution—from executive-level strategic counsel through tactical execution—helping clients strengthen their brands, navigate organizational change, engage key stakeholders, and achieve measurable business outcomes.
Altus CXO’s strategic communication practice helps organizations navigate today’s increasingly complex business environment by integrating marketing communication strategy with executive leadership, organizational culture, operational priorities, and long-term business goals.
About Altus CXO
Altus CXO provides experienced fractional and interim executive leaders who help organizations solve complex business challenges, accelerate growth, improve operations, and strengthen leadership capabilities. Its executive bench includes accomplished C-suite professionals across finance, operations, human resources, technology, marketing, strategic communications, and other key business disciplines.
About Huggins Consulting Group
Huggins Consulting Group is a strategic communications and marketing consulting firm specializing in executive communications, branding, integrated marketing, digital strategy, content development, public relations, and organizational storytelling. The firm partners with organizations to create communication strategies that build trust, engage stakeholders, and support business growth.
Media Contact: Michelle Book, michelleb@altuscxo.com