MEGHAN LADD
Gagen MacDonald
Hudsonville,MI
16
years of professional experience
Human-centric communications leader with 15+ years of experience specializing in helping organizations navigate complex transformations and connecting employees to business priorities. Trusted advisor to business leaders with expertise in developing and executing strategic communication plans, building high-performing internal communications programs and ecosystems and enhancing employee engagement.
Work History
Senior Associate Director of Consulting
4 Years 2 Months- Senior change communications consultant leading complex client engagements from strategy through execution within multiple Fortune 500 companies:
- Managed change communication strategy and execution for three M&A healthcare integrations spanning MedTech and biopharmaceuticals and one large-scale divestiture.
- Led communications for high-stakes organizational changes including cross-functional transformations, relocations, reductions in force and reorganizations, helping employees navigate uncertainty with clarity and confidence through strategic storytelling and comprehensive approaches to change communications.
- Shaped and executed internal communications department modernizations, completing assessments and reimagining ecosystems, processes, and approaches to connect employees to business strategies, achieving above-benchmark engagement.
- Guided change readiness, execution and post-change support for organizations reducing field operations across North America.
- Facilitated high-impact workshops to enhance engagement and alignment around culture priorities and best practices.
- Managed executive communications for a Fortune 500 senior leader, ensuring function priorities and goals were clear, comprehensive and actionable.
- Analyzed data and stakeholder feedback to refine internal communication strategies, improving audience understanding and engagement.
- Planned, executed and managed the first-ever integration chatbot, establishing a template for subsequent large-scale integrations within the organization.
- Served as a sought-after advisor and coach to internal and client leaders on employee experience, communication effectiveness, strategic approach and employee engagement.
- Spearheaded account relationship management to ensure all work and deliverables exceeded client expectations, including adherence to NDAs, MSAs and organizational policies.
- Supervised and developed direct reports and project teams, strengthening individual capabilities and enhancing team dynamics.
Senior Business Consultant II
1 Year 9 Months- Brought company Culture Values to life through internal communications, strategic programs and relationship building across the organization:
- Reimagined internal communications through relatable, meaningful and actionable messages and a strategic approach to “connecting the dots” between initiatives to promote employee engagement and empowerment, increasing readership levels to 75%.
- Introduced new channels and overhauled department processes to strengthen the internal communications ecosystem.
- Led of Culture Club, a cross-functional group focused on bringing proactive culture initiatives to life through internal communications for 9,000+ co-workers.
- Served as a key member of the Coworker Connections team, a cross-functional group focused on culture, field and internal communications solutions, cascading information through multiple functions, maintaining top quartile empowerment and engagement scores.
Professor of Communication
5 Years 3 Months- Developed and evaluated course content and established open, respectful learning environments in traditional and correctional settings:
- Interpersonal Communication with a focus on relationship building and conflict management.
- Public Speaking with an emphasis on developing clear concepts and communicating them both verbally and visually.
- Organizational Communication with a focus on leadership styles and organizational structures and behaviors.
- Mentored junior faculty on pedagogical best practices and course development strategies, enhancing overall teaching effectiveness.
- Washtenaw Community College | Ann Arbor, MI
- Lansing Community College | Lansing, MI
- Jackson College | Jackson, MI
Internal Communications Professional
3 Years 6 Months- Established credibility with audiences and provided trusted customer service to internal clients, supporting daily operations and strategic goals.
- Created and distributed seven daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly newsletters for locations around the world.
- Managed special projects to enhance employee engagement and communication from ideation to execution.
- Executed emergency response communications to ensure safety, transparency, and empowerment for coworkers.
Education
Change Management Professional Certification
Master of Arts - Interpersonal and Public Communication
Bachelor of Arts - Communication and Psychology
Accomplishments
- Managed change communications for $44B+ in Fortune 500 integrations
- Strengthened internal communications across programs achieving 74% - 85% engagement scores
- Drove planning, implementation and adoption of an inaugural integration chatbot, achieving 88% user satisfaction
- Led and developed direct reports and project teams of up to six employees
Timeline
Senior Associate Director of Consulting
Gagen MacDonald
08.2022 - CurrentRead More
Senior Business Consultant II
Consumers Energy
11.2020 - 08.2022Read More
Professor of Communication
08.2015 - 11.2020Read More
Internal Communications Professional
Learning Care Group
05.2010 - 11.2013Read More
Aquinas College
Bachelor of Arts from Communication and Psychology
Read More
Central Michigan University
Master of Arts from Interpersonal and Public Communication
Read More
Acuity Institute
Change Management Professional Certification
Read More