The City of Laurel is pleased to announce the appointment of Former TV Journalist and Communications Professional Natalie Williams as the Director of the Department of Communications. Following a unanimous vote by the Laurel City Council on March 25th, Ms. Williams assumes this position, bringing her wealth of expertise and dedication to serve our community. In her role as director, Natalie Williams will lead the department’s strategic vision which includes Laurel TV and Podcast City Studios.
“Today, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the success of this remarkable community,” says Williams. “Having witnessed firsthand the vibrancy and resilience of Laurel, I am honored to assume this position and play a part in its continued growth. I believe that Laurel is a gem waiting to shine even brighter, and I am committed to leveraging my experience and passion for communications to highlight the diverse voices and experiences within our city.”
For more than 30 years, Williams has demonstrated visionary leadership and effective management in the journalism, public affairs, and integrated marketing communications fields. Her early experience in television and radio equipped her with invaluable skills, paving the way for an incredible career in education, healthcare, public policy, and government sectors.
Prior to joining the City of Laurel, Williams served as the Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs for Maryland Business Roundtable for Education (MBRT) where she was responsible for steering the organization's strategic vision and enhancing its standing through the implementation of targeted communication strategies. This encompassed the development and supervision of a multi-tiered communications plan, and the skillful management of public affairs endeavors, government connections, stakeholder engagements, media interactions, advocacy initiatives, public speaking/speechwriting opportunities, and special events.
Prior to joining MBRT, Williams served as Vice President of Advancement at Maryland University of Integrative Health where she oversaw various university operations, including marketing, internal and external communications, university relations, alumni services, development, and events management. During her tenure, she successfully developed and implemented a wide range of aggressive communication and marketing strategies that resulted in a historic number of new student leads and enrollment.
Earlier, she developed and successfully implemented management operation plans and strategic communication plans that improved the day-to-day operations of United Medical Center in her dual role as Corporate Secretary to the Board of Directors and Vice President of Public Affairs. Her efforts advanced the image of the hospital in the community, improved its value in the primary patient service area, and enhanced its reputation among area healthcare providers.
She has served as a top aide to two members of the District of Columbia City Council, the seat of government that enacts laws on behalf of District residents. There she supported the crafting of legislation, developed programs and strategic messaging to thousands of DC residents. Her work in the District of Columbia also included serving as Chair of ANC8A, President of the Ward 8 Democrats, and a key member of the transition team responsible for effectively implementing the new charter for the State Board of Education.
Natalie Williams’s remarkable achievements and impact in the market stem from her extensive and diverse experiences crafted throughout her career. With adeptness, she has honed the ability to create and present information, effectively supporting the objectives at hand. Moreover, she generously imparts her knowledge to others, demonstrating her leadership by conducting workshops on various topics relevant to the communications industry.
Her work has been recognized by numerous awards, including two Emmy® nominations from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and the “Best in Business Award” from the Public Relations Society of America/Nation’s Capital Chapter.
