Laura Lucas Magnuson

About Laura Lucas Magnuson

I bring people and ideas together, with global impact. With more than 20 years of experience in public affairs, policymaking, and enterprise operations—spanning the highest levels of government and global brands—I help turn shared purpose into action.I am an optimistic and collaborative leader who thrives in startups and established institutions alike. Both strategic and operational, I excel at bridging vision and execution, guiding high-performing teams to deliver lasting impact.

Experience

1. Executive Vice President, External Affairs

   Obama Foundation

   Jun 2025 — Present

   At the Obama Foundation, we inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world. As we support the next generation of leaders around the world and look forward to the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago in 2026, I lead the team responsible for marketing and creative, communications, partnerships, and government and public engagement.

Education

• Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management

  Executive MBA

• University of Oregon

  Bachelor's Degree, Journalism

Skills

• Pakistan
• International Relations
• Community Outreach
• Branding & Identity
• Afghanistan
• Nato
• Podcasting
• Cultural Diplomacy
• Speech Writing
• Diplomacy
• Government
• Nonprofits
• Corporate Communications
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Social Media
• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Policy
• Strategic Communications
• Crisis Communications
• Cyber-Security
• Public Policy
• Press Releases
• South Asia
• European Security
• Public Affairs
• Foreign Policy
• Writing
• Digital Video
• Editing
• Public Diplomacy