As Communications Director, Laura develops strategic communications that help the public better understand SCDES's roles and responsibilities with environmental protection and preservation, as well as the many services SCDES provides. She oversees media relations, branding and outreach, website content, social media and more. She has more than 12 years of experience as a public information specialist for state and county government.  

Laura has a communications and writing degree from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y. She holds several public information and emergency response certifications from FEMA, CDC and HHS, and she's the recipient of more than 40 Kentucky Press Association awards. Laura has worked as a newsroom editor and reporter at newspapers in Kentucky, Colorado and Illinois, and as a graphic designer and book editor at a publishing house.