Laura Davenport

Current

Program Leader at Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Past

Virtualization GTM Marketing Manager at Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Senior Communications Manager at Sun Microsystems
Communications Program Manager at Sun Microsystems

Lead Source Manager at Advanced Micro Devices
Marketing Communications Manager at STAR Telecommunications
Public Relations Coordinator & Executive Assistant at Jean-Michel Cousteau Productions

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Education

San Diego State University-California State University

Recommended

5 people have recommended Laura

Connections

225 connections

Industry

Computer Hardware

Websites

My Blog

Laura Davenport’s Summary

I'm an accomplished communications expert with 10+ years experience delivering marketing & communications programs from Fortune 500 to environmental non-profit organizations. At Sun Microsystems, I've led employee communications programs for a global organization of 13,000 employees and highly successful integrated marketing campaigns which contributed hundreds of millions in revenue. Prior to Sun, I managed public relations efforts & education programs for renowned ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau and helped launch a new eco dive resort in Fiji. I'm highly flexible, committed and enthusiastic; known for getting the job done right, quickly and efficiently.

Laura Davenport’s Specialties:

Employee Communications, Executive Communications, Marketing Programs, Go-to-Market Campaigns, Public Relations, Strategic Programs Management, Community Leadership

Laura Davenport’s Experience

Program Leader

Sun Microsystems, Inc.

(Public Company; JAVA; Information Technology and Services industry)

November 2008 — Present (1 year 2 months)

Lead cross-Sun “Connected Students” initiative to accelerate adoption of Sun technology by the next generation of software developers.

Drive targeted programs, offers and new media to encourage students to register for training, software downloads, and Sun online communities.
Virtualization GTM Marketing Manager

Sun Microsystems, Inc.

(Computer Hardware industry)

June 2007 — November 2008 (1 year 6 months)

One of 5 corporate-wide marketing initiatives, developed integrated marketing campaigns designed to drive awareness and sales pipeline for Sun's data center efficiency/virtualization solutions.
Senior Communications Manager

Sun Microsystems

(Public Company; JAVA; Information Technology and Services industry)

July 2003 — May 2007 (3 years 11 months)

Responsible for developing and executing internal communication architecture in support of 13,000 global sales and service organization.

--Acted as strategic communications consultant to Senior Vice Presidents on communications opportunities and issues, while managing all tactical communications deliverables including broadcast e-mail, organizational websites, presentations, webcasts, etc.
--Partnered with marketing, public relations, human resources, legal, and business communicators to deliver consistent, high-quality messaging in press, customer and employee communications.
--Supported change management of global sales operations programs through stakeholder analysis and targeted communications planning.
--Developed and implemented communications standards, templates and feedback mechanisms to enhance the overall communications experience for Sun's field sales organization.
Communications Program Manager

Sun Microsystems

(Public Company; JAVA; Information Technology and Services industry)

July 2001 — July 2003 (2 years 1 month)

Responsible for supplier, executive, and employee communications for the WWOPS Supplier Management organization.

--Developed executive presentations and messaging for external audiences, suppliers and 300+ globally dispersed workforce. --Planned, managed, and delivered all aspects of employee communications including design and development of group website, regular broadcast e-mail announcements, and quarterly All Hands meetings generating significant improvement in employee satisfaction.
--Produced inaugural supplier webcast event to communicate FY03 strategic direction reaching 175+ supplier partners worldwide with 100% approval rating both on message and delivery.
--Program managed Sun's Supplier Performance Management & Scorecard process inclusive of the FY02 Supplier Awards program which recognized 22 suppliers at substantial cost reduction over previous years.
Lead Source Manager

Advanced Micro Devices

(Public Company; AMD; Semiconductors industry)

April 2000 — June 2001 (1 year 3 months)

Responsible for the procurement of networking/telecommunications services and software for a global supplier of integrated circuits for the personal and networked computer markets.

--Managed strategic supplier relationships to ensure successful fulfillment of AMD's information technology needs.
--Developed negotiation strategies and commodity plans to continually reduce and optimize costs.
--Led global cross-site team to develop collateral for Corporate Supply Management organization, increasing awareness of organization across AMD.
Marketing Communications Manager

STAR Telecommunications

(Telecommunications industry)

1998 — 2000 (2 years )

Responsible for leading 5-member marketing/communications team for international long distance services provider.

--Developed sales & marketing tools including corporate website, brochures, newsletters, and other collateral materials.
--Managed advertising and promotional events including trade shows and national sales meetings.
--Produced training materials for sales and customer support personnel and delivered training at 20- person customer call center
Public Relations Coordinator & Executive Assistant

Jean-Michel Cousteau Productions

(Non-Profit Organization Management industry)

1993 — 1998 (5 years )

Responsible for public relations activities for multi-media production company specializing in environmental education and consulting.

-Managed public appearances, interviews, press conferences and live internet chats for Jean-Michel Cousteau, world-renowned environmental spokesperson.
-Created, wrote and distributed promotional material including news releases, press kits, company profiles, etc. which resulted in substantial national and international media coverage for
Jean-Michel Cousteau.
-Developed, promoted, and implemented environmental public education and adventure travel programs and campaigns featuring Jean-Michel Cousteau.

Laura Davenport’s Education

San Diego State University-California State University

BA , International Business , 1984 — 1989

Minor in French

Activities and Societies:

AIESEC - the world’s largest student-run organization.
http://aiesec.org/AI