Industry Vet Joins Sheridan PR
Sheridan PR has added two new hires this July. Laura Braam, who has more than 20 years of communications, public relations and marketing experience, has joined Sheridan Public Relations as a principal. Laney Fay, a recent graduate of Washington and Lee University, has joined SPR as a staff associate.
Braam has served as director of communications at Currey Ingram Academy for the last decade, where she built the independent school’s current comprehensive internal and external public relations and marketing program. Before joining Currey Ingram in 2007, Laura was a vice president at McNeely Pigott & Fox Public Relations in Nashville, where she spent more than nine years managing accounts for clients such as the U.S. Dept. of Labor's Job Corps program, Comcast/Intermedia, Harpeth Hall School, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Laura first met SPR founder Jay Sheridan and SPR principal Chad Schmidt while working together at MP&F.
“We have known and respected Laura for many years as a unique talent in our industry,” said Sheridan. “She brings a lot to the table, not just as a writer and messaging strategist, but also in providing the kind of counsel to our clients that only comes from experience. Internally, she will play a significant role as a mentor to our staff. We are thrilled that she is on board and ready to bring fresh insights and proven strategies to our work.”
Before MP&F, Braam worked in Washington, D.C., with Goddard Claussen Public Affairs, and for a communications law firm conducting radio and television research at the Federal Communications Commission. She holds a B.A. in English literature with concentrations in journalism and creative writing from Washington & Lee University. During her college years, Braam also worked as a reporter for People Newspapers in Dallas, Texas.
As a principal at SPR, she will lead client teams and help develop business locally, regionally and nationally.
SPR has also added Laney Fay as a staff associate. Fay, originally from Columbus, Ga., recently graduated from Washington & Lee University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and theater. She most recently interned with 20th Century Fox Film’s market research department and, in addition to core communications and marketing skills, has expertise in video, graphic design and web-development platforms.
“Laney is incredibly bright and driven, and brings a versatile skillset that will be an asset to our clients,” said Schmidt. “Her attitude and personality are a perfect fit with our team.”
Additionally, SPR has promoted Maggie Forester from account executive to senior account executive and Makenzy Davis from staff associate to associate account executive. Both Forester and Davis started at SPR in 2016, and Davis interned with the firm in 2015.