Laurel Schmidt, Principal
Laurel Schmidt is a problem solver with broad experience working with high profile public and private sector leaders to develop and implement effective communications strategies.
She has served in a variety of executive communications roles in both the public and private sector, with expertise in the energy industry, environmental policy and regulation, education, and the media industry. Most recently, Laurel drove strategic communications for Portland General Electric, one of the only Fortune 1000 companies in Oregon. Prior to that, she was the Director of Executive Communications at PBS headquarters in Washington, DC, working directly with senior leadership at the nation’s most trusted broadcasting institution to develop and implement the organization’s strategic vision and messaging. She spent five years on Capitol Hill in policy and communications roles, and began her career raising money for California politicians.
A native Oregonian who grew up in California, Laurel earned an undergraduate degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Masters Degree in Political Communications from the London School of Economics.
“Laurel is extremely creative and strategic, and knows how to positively influence conversations with a level of professional diplomacy I’ve rarely seen.”