Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Training
Timeline
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Leland Foster Laury

Marlton,NJ

Summary

I'm a seasoned communications professional with more than 10 years of experience in health care and education. I thrive in environments where working cross-functionally is critical and have a passion for helping companies showcase the positive impact they have on people's lives.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Global Communications

Merck
11.2023 - 02.2025
  • Built and drove a comprehensive communications strategy, showcasing Merck’s work to expand access to its medicines and vaccines and advance health equity globally.
  • Launched a new web page on the company’s enterprise-wide approach to expanding access to health.
  • Increased web traffic to the CEO’s report on the company’s Access to Health goals by 71% year-over-year.
  • Strengthened corporate reputation by identifying, pursuing and amplifying recognitions on behalf of Merck and its senior leaders, including members of its Executive Team.

Associate Director of Global Communications

Merck
03.2022 - 11.2023
  • Led the modernization of Merck’s sales and earnings press release, in cross-functional collaboration with senior leaders in Finance, Investor Relations and Legal
  • Collaborated with internal and external subject matter experts to protect and enhance Merck’s reputation in the news media and broader global health community

Senior Account Executive

Brian Communications
08.2019 - 02.2022
  • Advised clients in the health care and educational services industries, providing support with crisis and issues management, branding and positioning, and social media strategy
  • Developed and carried out strategic communications across various channels, including paid, earned and owned media (e.g., ads, bylines, social media posts and website copy)
  • Managed the CEO’s podcast series, directing production and overseeing promotion

Director of Media Relations

iPraxis
09.2018 - 08.2019
  • Led interview coaching, material development, outreach and media monitoring
  • Advanced brand awareness by highlighting events—such as inner-city science fairs—in the local news media and positioning the organization’s president as a thought leader
  • Built new relationships in the media and strengthened community partnerships

Senior Media Relations Specialist

AmeriHealth Caritas
02.2014 - 04.2018
  • Managed media relations for four medical assistance (Medicaid) health plans, including the two largest Medicaid health plans in the state of Pennsylvania and Washington D.C
  • Was responsible for designing and implementing media strategy, interview coaching, outreach and material development (e.g., media briefs, pitches and press releases)
  • Created and directed a process for nominating senior executives for business awards, personally writing six successful award nominations in four years with the company

Sales Executive

Joseph A. Banks Clothiers
04.2013 - 02.2014

Office Assistant

Laury Medical Associates
02.2012 - 04.2013

Marketing Coordinator – Corporate Headquarters

Firstrust Bank
08.2011 - 02.2012
  • Formulated asset-liability reports on a bi-weekly basis for the board of directors
  • Earned company-wide recognition for facilitating new business opportunities
  • Supported the marketing needs of the bank’s 22 branches

Marketing Coordinator

The Philadelphia Inquirer, Daily News and Inquirer.com
09.2009 - 10.2010
  • Company Overview: https://www.inquirer.com/
  • Worked with the City of Philadelphia (department of public health, police department and City Hall) to put on a concert, featuring national rock and roll icon Chubby Checker
  • Assisted with attracting younger readers by helping to launch a new high school sports section (Rally) and developing a contest in collaboration with the Philadelphia Eagles
  • Established and maintained strong working relationships with advertising partners
  • Https://www.inquirer.com/

Marketing Coordinator

Comcast
06.2008 - 08.2008
  • Received special recognition for the development of an innovative logo design for a new subdivision of Comcast’s Human Resources department—the Employee Service Center
  • Supported with the enterprise-wide implementation of SAP software to enhance the company’s ability to effectively reward employees based on performance metrics
  • Researched and developed reports on the working conditions of employees

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Economics And Spanish

University of Virginia
Charlottesville
05-2009

Skills

  • Analytical thinking
  • Copy editing
  • Corporate communications
  • Issue management
  • Media relations
  • Project management
  • Relationship building
  • Strategic planning

Training

McKinsey & Company’s Black Leadership Academy | Management Accelerator - A six-month program designed to help mid-career managers grow into senior leadership roles.

Timeline

Director of Global Communications

Merck
11.2023 - 02.2025

Associate Director of Global Communications

Merck
03.2022 - 11.2023

Senior Account Executive

Brian Communications
08.2019 - 02.2022

Director of Media Relations

iPraxis
09.2018 - 08.2019

Senior Media Relations Specialist

AmeriHealth Caritas
02.2014 - 04.2018

Sales Executive

Joseph A. Banks Clothiers
04.2013 - 02.2014

Office Assistant

Laury Medical Associates
02.2012 - 04.2013

Marketing Coordinator – Corporate Headquarters

Firstrust Bank
08.2011 - 02.2012

Marketing Coordinator

The Philadelphia Inquirer, Daily News and Inquirer.com
09.2009 - 10.2010

Marketing Coordinator

Comcast
06.2008 - 08.2008

Bachelor of Arts - Economics And Spanish

University of Virginia
Leland Foster Laury