Laura Hudson, M.B.A.

Experience

• 

  LaVerdiere's Super Drug Stores

  Jan 1984 - Jan 1994

  Advertising

  I created the advertising circulars and assisted with other advertising, marketing and public relations functions of this family-owned New England Drug Store chain.

• 

  Maine Development Foundation

  Jan 1994 - Jan 1998

  Program Officer

  My job at MDF was to work on programs and/or projects as needed. Projects I either led or supported included the Blaine House Conferences on Small Business (I was responsible for raising funds, putting together curriculum and all logistics from soup to nuts); Policy Leaders Academy (working with Maine legislators on issues of importance to the State of Maine through economic tours of various regions, white papers and seminars on economic related issues, etc.); Manufacturers Roundtable (supported this group that worked toward dealing with issues of declining manufacturers in the state and a misunderstanding of manufacturing's role, as well as helping to find ways to increase young people's interest in the trades, in foresight of large population of manufacturing employees entering retirement age. Show less

• 

  Maine Department of Economic & Community Development

  Aug 1998 - Jan 2002

  Business Development Specialist

  My job was to be the liaison between State Government and the business sector in Kennebec and Somerset counties.

• 

  Kennebec Savings Bank

  Jan 2002 - May 2014

  Vice President & Chief Experience Officer

  As CXO, I am responsible for all user experience with Kennebec Savings Bank. This function includes primary oversight and development of marketing communications, community relations, internal relations, investor relations—and all other encounters we may have with our various audiences.

• 

  Maine Development Foundation

  Dec 2014 - Jul 2015

  Program Director

  Leadership Maine is a powerful, year-long experiential learning journey that expands leaders’ capacity to shape our state’s future. Through the program, leaders:Explore our state’s diverse regions, assets, economies, issues, and people through direct interaction with Maine leaders and Maine places;Develop important and lasting relationships with a diverse community of business, community, government and educational leaders; andUncover and build upon their personal leadership strengths.The traditional Leadership Maine curriculum is designed for leaders from all sectors. Leadership Maine: Education Leaders Experience, founded in partnership with Unum and the Maine Principals’ Association, is designed for K-12 education leaders.In the past two decades, over 830 leaders have graduated from the Leadership Maine program. Our alumni are leading the way in creating an economy driven by educated, healthy, innovative and engaged people. Show less

• 

  The Hudson Homestead

  Jun 2015 - Jan 2016

  Lady of Leisure

  As the Lady of Leisure, I will be responsible for ensuring the regular riding of my five horses, daily swimming in the company pool, overseeing my employees of all species: horses ~ Emir, Stormy, Dude, Chief and Baby Horsey; dogs ~ Cash and Gilbert, plus my grand-dog Walker; and the all sorts of poultry on the farm, plus training my grandson, Ashton on the finer things in life . . . like frog catching, fishing, walks in the woods, cooking, etc.I am also managing my farm fruits and vegetables, providing them with support and growth opportunities and cross training them so that they can become pies, soups, jams, etc. Very excited about my professional future, but I'll think about that in the Fall. Show less

• 

  Various organizations in Maine

  Jan 2016 - Sept 2017

  Community Volunteer

  Since leaving Kennebec Savings Bank, I have spent my time consulting, and volunteering my time and talents to organizations I care about.

• 

  Maine Department of Labor

  Sept 2017 - Jan 2019

  Director of Communications

  Summary: An executive level position within the Commissioner’s Office, the Director of Communications directs and manages the overall in and outflow of information related to the Maine Department of Labor and its five bureaus. Social media, web, events, publications and reports, media, testimony before committees and representation of the Department at a national level are critical components of this role.Leadership level decision-making and strategy development in overall operations of the DepartmentManagement of internal and external messaging for the Department and its five bureausOversight of policy and rulemaking for the Department and its five bureausCreation of Special projects and strategic opportunities for the Department:• Constructed and instituted a standard for core work hours within the Department• Conceived and implemented a pilot youth employment awareness initiative and grant program for business• Developed and initiated a formal speaker’s bureau and process for engaging our publics in workforce related issues and opportunitiesDepartment liaison with administration’s Senior Policy Advisor and Communications staffKey Competencies in this position:Understanding of the legislative and rule-making process in state governmentStrategic thinking and Crisis managementProject and human resource managementCreative and technical writing Workforce development and economic development experiencePolitical acumen and savvy Show less

• 

  Maine State Treasurer's Office

  Feb 2019 - now

  Director of Internal Operations

  In this role, I manage the OST's day-to-day operations including the state's bank accounts and the unclaimed property program. I oversee daily operations including managing staff, contracts and the OST budget, ensuring sound internal controls and financial management, and working with OST staff and other agencies to resolve issues. In the unclaimed property program, I focus on 3rd party audits and the general needs of the unit.