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Laura Cilmi
Director

Laura is experienced in corporate communications, media relations, public affairs and coalition building. She is skilled in developing and implementing strategic media relations campaigns and managing partnerships with third-party organizations.

Laura has a track-record of success in managing relationships with local, national and multicultural reporters and media placements in key media outlets that effectively convey messages to targeted audiences. She has secured coverage for clients in key publications including Black Enterprise, LA Watts Times, Jet Magazine, the Washington Post and DiversityInc.

Laura's key accounts include Best Buy, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Toyota North American and Tyco International. She also managed Best Buy's sponsorship of the NAACP 98th and 99th Image Awards, as well as the National Council of La Raza and National Urban League's 2007 and 2008 conventions. Additionally, Laura managed Eli Lilly and Company's participation (including sponsorships, executive visibility, workshop development and media relations) for the 2007 National Association of Black Journalists Convention and 2008 UNITY Journalists of Color Convention.

Laura works closely with the public affairs offices of Tyco International and Toyota North America. Her work includes developing media relations strategies to support lobbying efforts, internal communications development and government support.

Prior to joining WMG, Laura worked at Richmond-based CRT/tanaka in their consumer division. At this company, Laura provided strategic counsel and media relations support for Sprint Nextel's sponsorship of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. She also provided support for Altec Lansing's release of their new line of iPod speakers and the Consumer Electronics Tradeshow, Longwood University's new student Web site and Advil's Advanced Liquid Gels nationwide release. She also worked on agency promotion and new business development.

Laura worked for Madison Square Garden as in intern in the Radio City Entertainment department. In her position, Laura was responsible for providing communications support for all entertainment events at the Garden and Music Hall including, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, all concerts and the New York Liberty's historic games played at Radio City Music Hall. Her media relations support included securing a three-page feature article on the Rockettes in Allure Magazine.

Previously, Laura was an intern at Elementis Specialties in Hightstown, N.J., where she assisted in the internal communications and customer service departments.

Laura graduated from James Madison University earning a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies with a double minor in Writing and Rhetoric and Political Communications. Laura is currently pursuing her Masters in Professional Studies in Corporate Communication and Public Relations at Georgetown University.