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
Rahway, NJ
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
Rahway, NJ
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
Philadelphia, PA
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
Philadelphia, PA
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
Philadelphia, PA
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
Haverford, PA
04.2013 - 02.2014
Office Assistant
Laury Medical Associates
Philadelphia, PA
02.2012 - 04.2013
Marketing Coordinator – Corporate Headquarters
Firstrust Bank
Conshohocken, PA
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
Philadelphia, PA
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
Philadelphia, PA
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
Charlottesville05-2009
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