Laura Sheehan

Biography

As a seasoned public affairs expert with more than a 20-year track record in advocacy and policy communications, Laura Sheehan brings a deep bench of experience to American Humane.  She has deftly positioned challenging and politically charged topics – building support and negating critics along the way.  Laura has worked the front lines of crisis situations and is highly adept in media relations, crisis and issues management, community and grassroots outreach, reputation management, CEO/executive positioning and coalition building.

To that end, Laura has served in a variety of roles from private consultant to SVP of Communications and Public Affairs for major trade associations in Washington, D.C. including the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity and the American Gas Association.  In the private sector, Laura has significant experience developing and leading award-winning campaigns for a host of public relations clients.

Laura has worked extensively in Democratic politics in both the House and Senate. She has served as spokesperson and democratic communications director for the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Rep. John D. Dingell (D-MI). In addition, she was the policy director for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, serving as the liaison with the House leadership and committees on policy issues. Laura began her Capitol Hill career as a press secretary for former Senator Christopher Dodd.

Laura has a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Bowie State University and Masters of Arts in Public Communication/Public Relations from American University. She resides in Arlington, VA, with her husband, Kevin, and their two cats, Hugo and Suki.