Staff

Laura Gross, President

Laura creates public relations strategies and plans events that draw on her years of experience in politics and public affairs. She has worked with organizations and individuals ranging from The White House and global non-profits to presidential candidates and independent artists. An award-winning expert, Laura has promoted the environmental policies of a global corporation, and put a local film festival on the map. A master at long-term planning and logistics, Laura has overseen large-scale events and conferences. She served as a senior advisor to the greening and sustainability team at the 2008 Democratic National Convention and has organized a national meeting for a university. Laura enjoys working one-on-one with clients to ensure results, and her work reflects a passion for people and ideas.

With an aim to make a difference, she entered politics and gained extensive experience working in fast-paced,high-pressure situations. As communications director for Gov. Howard Dean, she successfully directed the communications strategy of his rise to chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). During the Kosovo crisis, Laura was on the front lines for the State Department, fielding questions from the international press covering the emergency situation. She got her start in politics as a member of Vice President Gore’s advance staff, and the Clinton administration’s domestic and foreign traveling advance team. President Clinton appointed Laura as a press officer at the U.S. Agency For International Development, specializing in the Latin America and Caribbean region.

A self-professed news junkie, Laura thinks like a reporter and knows how to craft a message so that the press will respond. Her contacts run the gamut from political reporters, television bookers and producers, to entertainment, consumer and gossip bloggers. With social media becoming a mainstay of public affairs, Laura has also advised clients on interactive campaigns. A frequent blogger on “PotomacFlacks.com,” she’s an “insider” within Washington’s public relations industry.

Prior to founding Scott Circle Communications, Laura served as deputy communications director at the DNC, as well as communications director for Gov. Howard Dean’s PAC, Democracy for America. She was senior vice president at Blue State Digital, where she created Internet communications strategies for politicians and non-governmental organizations. At NPR, Laura was part of the public relations team that promoted national programs and on-air personalities. Laura also worked at the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial, planning special events and fundraisers, and working directly with members of the Kennedy family.

Her talent has been recognized, and her awards include a silver anvil from the Public Relations Society of America, and a Pollie from the American Association of Political Consultants. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism.