eBusiness Development Sr. Consultant
Austin, Texas Area
- Current
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- eBusiness Development Sr. Consultant at Dell
- Past
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- Communications Consultant at Spherion/Dell Inc.
- Communications Advisor at Dell Financial Services
- Deputy Director of Communications at Texas Workforce Commission
- Information Specialist at PepsiCo Food Systems
- Education
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- University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
- Recommended
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6 people have recommended Laura - Connections
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258
connections
- Industry
- Public Relations and Communications
- Websites
Laura Thomas’s Summary
More than 13 years of corporate communications, public relations, employee communications, branding, marketing, community engagement, reputation management, print design, event management, electronic commerce, social media, virtual world development and web design all rolled up into one accredited, ball-of-fire business communicator.
A proven professional who works closely with executive management to develop and execute global strategies that align internal and external communication in support of corporate growth, increased market share and extended brand awareness.
Laura Thomas’s Specialties:
Online Communication
Public Relations
Employee Communications
Community Relations
Public Affairs/Govt. Relations
Executive Communication
Branding
Video and Event Production
Virtual Worlds
Social Media
Laura Thomas’s Experience
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eBusiness Development Sr. Consultant
Dell
(Public Company; 10,001 or more employees; Computer Hardware industry)
February 2006 — Present (2 years 6 months)
Currently working within the Global eCommerce group as the program manager responsible for the overall strategy of the home page of Dell.com and all corporate content from such groups as Investor Relations, Corporate Communications, Sustainable Business, Human Resources and Legal. Assisted with the creation of Direct2Dell.com, contribute posts to that blog, and oversee web feeds and podcasts on Dell.com. Led Dell into the metaverse with the creation of Dell Island in Second Life. Launched Dell.com/Earth and StudioDell.com, which won a "Peoples Choice" Webby award. Speaker at Metaverse07 conference, as well as local chapters of American Marketing Association and the Social Media Club. Contributor to Media Bullseye magazine and ThisMommyGig.com blog.
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Communications Consultant
Spherion/Dell Inc.
(Public Company; 10,001 or more employees; Computer Hardware industry)
May 2005 — February 2006 (10 months)
Contracted at Dell Inc. in their consumer line of business and international services. Worked directly with consumer advocacy media nationwide on customer issues; also, assisted with global internal communication for consumer segment teams, including the internal launch of a new product line and a new consumer service. In other contract assignments at Dell, worked closely with executive management to plan programs that reduced attrition, increased morale and tackled the tough issues of diversity and inclusion in the public line of business.
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Communications Advisor
Dell Financial Services
(Public Company; 501-1000 employees; Financial Services industry)
October 2000 — March 2005 (4 years 6 months)
Managed all corporate communications for joint venture of Dell Inc. and The CIT Group that financed $5.8 billion in U.S. sales in FY05, or approximately 12 percent of Dell’s overall revenue. Responsible for all internal and external communications programs, including media relations, executive and employee communication, online initiatives and branding.
Responsible for preparing press releases, maintaining media contacts and responding to reporter inquiries, and crafting internal communication strategy that informed affected employees and retained key talent. Developed company’s first-ever strategic community relations plan, centered on employee volunteerism. Created brand guidelines and designed DFS logo to meet standards of Dell Global Branding. Redesigned and managed the overall vision of the DFS Intranet. Worked with Dell and DFS Online teams to redesign the DFS external Web site.
Supervised contract workers and employee committees on special projects. -
Deputy Director of Communications
Texas Workforce Commission
(Government Agency; 5001-10,000 employees; Human Resources industry)
July 1996 — October 2000 (4 years 4 months)
Supervised internal and external communications. Managed $500,000 budget, and had direct supervision over three staff writers/designers and an administrative assistant.
Bolstered media relations through story placement and as spokesperson. Managed the production of an award-winning monthly newsletter with distribution of more than 6,000 copies nationwide. Planned, edited, designed and produced 96-page annual report. Coordinated executive and agency messages to be disseminated through Internet, Intranet and other communications tools.
Worked closely with marketing department to establish Texas Workforce brand and build image of statewide workforce partners system. Consulted with other agency departments to plan and design promotional materials for their programs, often under severe time constraints. Worked closely with Governmental Relations director to prepare presentations for legislative hearings. -
Information Specialist
PepsiCo Food Systems
(Public Company; 5001-10,000 employees; Food & Beverages industry)
February 1994 — March 1996 (2 years 2 months)
Communications generalist for internal/external worldwide audiences working in media relations, government affairs and newsletter production for $2.8 billion foodservice distribution division of PepsiCo, Inc. Managed the translation, production and distribution of a Spanish-language edition of the quarterly newsletter distributed to more than 400 employees in Mexico and Puerto Rico. Presented successful proposal to senior executives for funding to produce educational coloring book distributed to elementary students nationwide.
Wrote feature articles for quarterly news magazine to more than 3,200 employees worldwide; edited several specialized newsletters. Designed brochures, payroll stuffers, logos and other printed materials. Produced videos and supervised photo shoots across nation. Supported corporate government relations campaigns and lobbying efforts. Planned annual management and supplier conferences & special events. Managed a week-long, quarterly employee orientation program.
Laura Thomas’s Education
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University of Louisiana at Monroe
Public Relations 1993 — 1993
- Activities and Societies:
- Graduate assistant in Office of University Relations, Co-op at the Superconducting Super Collider
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Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
BAJ, News/Editorial Journalism, 1988 — 1992
- Activities and Societies:
- Sigma Kappa, LSU Ambassadors
Additional Information
Laura Thomas’s Websites:
Laura Thomas’s Interests:
virtual worlds, reading, college football and music
Laura Thomas’s Groups:
International Association of Business Communicators
Louisiana State University Alumni Association
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LSU Alumni Geaux Networking Society member -
MarketingProfs member
Laura Thomas’s Honors:
International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)
• Past U.S. Southern Region Vice President of Leader Development. Other offices held include: District Conference Co-Chair, 2003; District Secretary, 2002; Austin Chapter President, 2001
• Achieved designation of Accredited Business Communicator, 2003
• Bronze Quill & Silver Quill award winner in Dallas, Austin and U.S. District 5
Louisiana State University Alumni Association (LSUAA)
• Past President, Past VP, Past Secretary/Webmaster of Austin Chapter
• Austin Chapter Board Member, 1997 – 2007
• National LSUAA Chapter Leader Award winner, 2000
2007 Webby Awards - People's Voice Winner for StudioDell.com
Laura Thomas’s Contact Settings
Interested In:
- career opportunities
- expertise requests
- reference requests
- getting back in touch
