Talk about your first job and early career.

I got my first full-time job after college at advertising agency McKinney. I found the assistant producer position advertised on a job board. Once I landed the role, I began working productions in New York City and Los Angeles right off the bat. In addition to the glamorous aspects of the job, I had to wear every entry-level hat in the agency at some point. I did many things nobody else wanted to do, but I was hungry to learn, and learn I did.

A couple of years later, I became a producer at McKinney. Afterward, I moved to Charlotte to start the broadcast department at LKM, then a small local agency. After 10 years of directing all stages of television and radio production, I realized I had gained the contacts and the expertise necessary to work for myself. Becoming a freelancer was the best step for me at the time … so much so that I did it for 20 years before coming to Wray Ward.

Do you consider yourself a natural leader, or did those qualities emerge later in your career?

I am the oldest of three and my parents’ only daughter, so I admit that I bossed my brothers around a bit for their own good. However, my involvement in extracurricular activities growing up, such as being editor of my high school yearbook, leads me to believe those skills have been slowly emerging throughout different stages of my life. Joining LKM to start their broadcast department was the first huge leadership role of my career, but I still don’t feel like those skills have stopped evolving. Even as a freelancer, I faced new challenges every day, creating the chance to combine my natural leadership skills with learning outcomes from each new opportunity.

What made you decide to come to Wray Ward after working for yourself for so long?

I get really excited and inspired by creative energy. At Wray Ward, that energy is palpable.

When I saw the (executive producer and studio director) role, I knew I had to jump on it. It combined elements of my existing skills with opportunities for growth and continued leadership development. I think it’s a great fit for somebody who likes to make things happen.

Your role is deeply involved in every stage of video and photography production. How do you feel about having Wray Ward’s on-site Studio as a resource?

The Studio is undoubtedly a great resource for our clients. But it also gives a talented team a creative lab. Here, our entire crew can experiment with new techniques and approaches to add to our creative arsenal and come up with innovative solutions for brands. Having the space to work on ideas and try new things will take our offerings to another level. An opportunity like that is very rare and special for an agency like Wray Ward.

What’s next for Wray Ward? What do you most look forward to bringing to the table?

I am big on community and, over the course of my career, have developed a number of contacts in the area. I most look forward to working closely with our team, getting Wray Ward’s new Studio off the ground and telling its story. Bottom line? I love making things happen, and this agency is a great place to do it. I’m thrilled to be here.

Interested in learning more about how Wray Ward can tell your story through powerful spots, videos and photography? Contact Laura.