Laura Simpson's Professional Headshot
Merit badge for IAAP's Certified Professionals in Accessibility Core Competencies

Hi! I’m Laura Simpson.

I'm a strategist grounded in design, clarity, and purpose. With expertise spanning marketing, strategic communications, and graphic design, I fuse vision and execution into meaningful, targeted results designed to engage.

My work is powered by storytelling, guided by accessibility, and enriched by nearly a decade of cross-functional collaboration across both public and private sectors. As a CPACC certified professional, I bring a human-centered approach to every project, balancing creativity, precision, and meaningful impact.

Brand Strategy

Graphic Design

Campaign Development

Creative Direction

Strategic Communications

Accessibility

Social Media Strategy

Creative Team Leadership

Storytelling

Human-Centered Design

Stakeholder Engagement

Project Management

Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, Photoshop, Premier Pro)

Brand Strategy

Graphic Design

Creative Direction

Campaign Development

Strategic Communications

Accessibility

Social Media Strategy

Creative Team Leadership

Storytelling

Human-Centered Design

Stakeholder Engagement

Project Management

Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, Photoshop, Premier Pro)

Brand Strategy • Graphic Design • Campaign Development • Creative Direction • Strategic Communications • Accessibility • Social Media Strategy • Creative Team Leadership • Storytelling • Human-Centered Design • Stakeholder Engagement • Project Management • Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, Photoshop, Premier Pro) • Brand Strategy • Graphic Design • Creative Direction • Campaign Development • Strategic Communications • Accessibility • Social Media Strategy • Creative Team Leadership • Storytelling • Human-Centered Design • Stakeholder Engagement • Project Management • Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, Photoshop, Premier Pro) •

Experience

  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Product Delivery Service (PDS), Front Office Communications:

    • Supported communication strategy during a 10,000-person team restructure, helping leadership unify messaging and strengthen alignment across groups.

    • Led creative direction for a product spotlight series, launched as an executive initiative to highlight digital products and promote engagement across the organization.

    U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO), Executive Support

    • Developed branding, campaign visuals, and communication materials for a VA-wide initiative focused on aligning teams and improving delivery practices.

    • Facilitated a StoryBrand workshop with team leads to create an audience map that guided messaging and shaped communication strategy throughout the initiative rollout.

    Internal Marketing Support

    • Supported marketing efforts through content design, social media strategy, and campaign development.

    • Developed strategic design solutions and compelling messaging for business development materials, including proposals, presentations, and takeaways.

    • Led an internal website accessibility audit to ensure WCAG AA compliance, improve usability, and align with accessibility best practices.

  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Office of Information and Technology (OIT), Information Technology Strategic Communications (ITSC)

    • Led a team of award-winning designers, guiding creative strategy and production across internal campaigns, brand systems, and communications.

    • Executed a brand system audit and template refresh to drive consistency, accessibility, and improved usability across digital products.

    • Designed engaging, accessible visuals for blogs, emails, social media, town halls, and campaigns—helping teams communicate clearly and effectively.

    • Delivered 508 compliance training for digital products, empowering communication leads to apply accessibility best practices and improve product usability.

    • Led the development of a 45-page brand guideline and 200+ design templates, providing independent builders with on-demand marketing assets and establishing a cohesive brand identity.

    • Provided design support to 75+ builders, offering customized solutions and ensuring consistent messaging across all marketing materials.

    • Managed monthly content calendar, creating 60+ social media posts per month, resulting in a 30% increase in engagement.

    • Developed the creative direction for 16 digital marketing campaigns annually, combining strategic communications with compelling visuals to drive audience engagement.

    • Developed assets for both nationwide and location-specific campaigns, ensuring brand consistency across all marketing materials.

    • Supported social media efforts through content strategy and development, using analytics and trend forecasting to drive engagement across our social platforms.

    • Designed more than 30 exclusive three-color t-shirt designs and coordinating die-cut stickers for new restaurant openings.

    • Directed marketing efforts for 25 communities, developing strategic campaigns and branding initiatives to drive visibility and engagement in target markets.

    • Led creative direction for five major property photoshoots, guiding photography and staging to refresh marketing materials and enhance digital presence.

    • Enhanced online visibility, boosting organic traffic by 28% through targeted SEO and marketing campaigns.

    • Supported Sales & Sponsorship teams by creating custom pitch materials and co-branded designs, directly contributing to $128M in new sponsorship revenue within the first year.

    • Designed engaging content for the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and affiliated brand social media accounts, helping strengthen fan engagement and brand visibility.

    • Supported the Brand and Media teams in designing branded marketing and promotional materials across digital, print, and stadium platforms, contributing to impactful campaigns and meaningful fan connections.

Award winning 2024 Veterans Day Poster design, with Gold Marcom Awards Trophy

Recognition

Design has always been a vehicle for meaning in my work, and that was especially true in a Veterans Day poster I created for the Department of Veterans Affairs, which received a Gold MarCom Award for excellence in creativity and design.

This project was especially close to my heart. As the daughter of a Veteran, I brought a deep personal connection to the work. The poster reflects the diverse experiences and identities within the Veteran community, specifically honoring Women Veterans and amplifying their voices.

I'm proud this piece was recognized, not only for its visual impact but for the powerful story it helped tell.

Marcom Awards Logo

Feedback

Laura’s brilliantly versatile, endlessly curious, and genuinely collaborative.
She brings clarity to complexity—turning abstract ideas into compelling, accessible visual stories that actually work

“Laura is a thoughtful, mission-driven creative strategist with a rare combination of strategic insight, design expertise, and a genuine heart for meaningful work.”

“Laura’s curious, challenges the status quo, and is unafraid to ask the critical questions that will set projects apart… This young executive female is a powerhouse for any creative team.”

Inspiration

Outside of my work, I find inspiration in the simple, meaningful moments that connect me to the world around me. Whether I’m exploring nature with my four-year-old, tending to my bird feeders, or planning my next adventure to a national park, I’m always drawn to places and experiences that spark curiosity and creativity.

I’m an avid traveler with a goal to visit every U.S. national park, and a passionate foodie with a running list of must-try spots in every city (seriously, please send me your favorite eats). These experiences fuel my perspective—bringing wonder, joy, and fresh ideas into my creative process!