Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic
Laura Flannery Shannon

Laura Flannery Shannon

Cary

Summary

Dynamic communications leader with a proven track record in driving strategic branding and communication initiatives. Expert in compelling storytelling and cross-team collaboration, achieving measurable results that drive business goals. Adept at shaping corporate messaging to enhance brand reputation and support organizational growth.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Chief Communications & Marketing Officer

Digital Medicine Society (DiMe)
02.2022 - Current
  • As a core member of DiMe's executive leadership team, lead the development and execution of DiMe’s communications and marketing strategy, shaping brand reputation and supporting strategic growth.
  • Spearhead integrated campaigns across digital, social, print, and event channels, aligning messaging with corporate objectives and ensuring brand consistency.
  • Oversee crisis communications, serve as spokesperson during sensitive issues, and safeguard DiMe’s digital presence and public perception across platforms.
  • Built the communications division from the ground up, including team structure, operational processes, and a high-performing team of eight.
  • Achieved measurable growth, including growing DiMe’s online community to more than 60,000, amassing more than 800 case studies, and leading triple-digit increases across key web and social media metrics.

Strategic Communications Manager

Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative (CTTI)
Durham
07.2017 - 01.2022
  • Led the creation and execution of CTTI’s first strategic communications plan, driving increased awareness, engagement, and alignment with the organization’s Transforming Trials 2030 vision.
  • Oversaw all communications and engagement initiatives, including media relations, events, digital channels, and high-profile projects such as a website relaunch, executive leadership transition, and COVID-19 response.
  • Collaborated closely with senior leadership on grant proposals, budget reporting, and Executive Committee communications, while managing a team of six and multiple external vendors.
  • Achieved measurable growth, including a 23% increase in web traffic, a 57% increase in resource downloads, and a 57% increase in public webinar attendance.

Associate Director of Development Communications

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Boston
11.2013 - 06.2017
  • Developed and led high-impact marketing campaigns and communications initiatives that helped raise over $220 million annually.
  • Provided strategic marketing and advertising counsel to internal business units, crafting tailored plans and materials to support and exceed revenue goals.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally with leadership, creative, digital, and PR teams to deliver complex projects on time and within budget, including recognition efforts for all $1M+ gifts.
  • Oversaw content development across channels and managed a small team while contributing to the senior leadership team.

U.S. Communications Manager

World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA)
Boston
02.2010 - 10.2012
  • Led the development and execution of WSPA USA’s comprehensive communications strategy, spanning brand, digital, media, campaigns, and internal communications.
  • Collaborated with global teams to align messaging and content for international campaigns, and was selected as the global communications lead for the organization’s disaster management program.
  • Integrated messaging across U.S. communications, fundraising, and marketing channels, while driving a 200%+ increase in media coverage with placements in outlets such as National Geographic, CNN, and USA Today.
  • Managed media relations, social media platforms, and content development to elevate brand visibility and engagement.

Senior Account Representative

Lois Paul & Partners
Woburn
01.2005 - 01.2010
  • Managed strategic communications for over a dozen healthcare and high-tech clients, delivering impactful PR campaigns around major milestones such as launches, rebrands, IPOs, and industry events.
  • Crafted a wide range of content—including press releases, bylines, case studies, and media pitches—that secured high-profile coverage in outlets like Forbes, BusinessWeek, and the Boston Business Journal.
  • Led awards, speaking, and product review programs to further elevate client visibility.

Education

M.A. - Mass Communications

University of Florida
Gainesville
05.2005

B.S. - Public Relations

University of Florida
Gainesville
05.2003

Skills

  • Strategic branding and content strategy
  • Crisis communication and corporate messaging
  • Thought leadership and reputation strategy
  • Collaboration across teams and change initiatives
  • Compelling storytelling techniques

Certification

  • Building Fit-for-Purpose Sensor-based Digital Health Technologies: A Crash Course
  • Unlocking Regulatory Success for Digital Health Product Developers
  • Applied Digital Health Ethics
  • Fast Track to Digital Clinical Trials: Pharma Edition

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Chief Communications & Marketing Officer

Digital Medicine Society (DiMe)
02.2022 - Current

Strategic Communications Manager

Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative (CTTI)
07.2017 - 01.2022

Associate Director of Development Communications

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
11.2013 - 06.2017

U.S. Communications Manager

World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA)
02.2010 - 10.2012

Senior Account Representative

Lois Paul & Partners
01.2005 - 01.2010

M.A. - Mass Communications

University of Florida

B.S. - Public Relations

University of Florida

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Laura Flannery Shannon