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
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
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