Laurie leads strategic projects primarily focused on issues related to children’s health and education. She helps develop and oversee campaigns that aim to make schools healthier, expand afterschool programs in all 50 states, address the childhood obesity epidemic and encourage young women to pursue education beyond high school. Laurie is an experienced writer, editor, trainer, team leader and problem solver. She specializes in translating research for general and policy audiences, message development, message training and crafting strategic communications plans. 

Before joining Burness in 2005, Laurie earned her M.S. in nutrition, exercise and eating behaviors from George Washington University while she was the associate director of communications at the George Washington University School of Law. She also served as an adjunct instructor at Northern Virginia Community College, where she taught lifetime wellness. She lives in Cornelius, North Carolina, with her husband Robert and their four very active children.