Merrick Laravea

About Merrick Laravea

Communications experience on three continents has made me an insightful, innovative content development and strategic leader with a proven track record of working cross-functionally across an organization. I have led high-performing teams for a range of clients, inspiring them to develop best-in-class campaigns that increase brand opinion and engage a variety of audiences. With extensive experience using multiple channels to develop and lead integrated campaigns for some of the biggest technology brands in the world, I am a passionate storyteller with a knack for crafting comprehensive narratives that effectively distill the spirit and emotion of a brand through words, images, and ideas. Furthermore, as a tech-savvy and analytics-driven professional, I have the ability to interpret data, connect the dots and decode complex ideas for key audiences in the media and general public alike. The highlights of my college years include work on Capitol Hill for the United States Congress and at the European Union Parliament in Brussels, Belgium. Relevant experience spans from technology and lifestyle to public policy and international business relations. My work experience has served to strengthen my belief in the importance of effective communication. Be it in private companies connecting with the media, in the public sector ensuring transparency or in transnational firms navigating the intricacies of international business partnerships, intelligent communication strategies determine the difference between success and failure. In a modern world that is becoming more connected by the day, success requires an effective multidisciplinary approach that increasingly necessitates both a creative edge and a knack for leveraging the latest digital tools. Specialties: Communications & PR Strategy | Content Strategy | Public Affairs | Executive Positioning | Creative Strategy | Content Development | Global Media | Corporate Communications | Events | Copywriting/Editing | Branding | Social Media, Webcasts, Video | Leadership | Coaching and Training | Project Management | Strategic Planning | Thought Leadership| International Affairs | Internal Communications

Experience

1. Lead Public Relations Manager - Us & Canada

   UST

   Apr 2022 — Present · Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, US

   Leading public relations, media relations and communications efforts in the United States & Canada for UST

Education

• Vrije Universiteit Brussel

  Political Science

  2008 — 2008

• Sogang University

  Korean Language Program

  2013 — 2013

• Furman University

  BA, History / Political Science

  2005 — 2009

Skills

• Policy Analysis
• Research
• Press Releases
• Editing
• Teaching
• Public Speaking
• Blogging
• International Relations
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Legal Research
• Strategy
• Public Policy
• Community Outreach
• Legal Writing
• Nonprofits
• Political Campaigns
• Politics
• Spanish
• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Policy
• Economics
• Writing
• Public Affairs
• Social Media
• Fundraising
• Strategic Communications
• Event Planning