Laura Lawson

Laura Lawson 2020

Intrigued by the “built” environment and the social, recreational, and economic vibrancy that results from a well-planned community, Laura Lawson began her Economic Development career by earning a Masters in Urban Affairs (MAUA) from St. Louis University.

Immediately after grad school, she threw a suitcase in the car, headed for one of the fastest-growing urban environments in America: Atlanta, GA. Her nomadic professional and personal path includes Economic Development, Marketing, and Real Estate roles with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia (now Electric Cities of Georgia), serving as Economic Development Director for the Lenexa Economic Development Council in Lenexa, KS; Marketing Director for Kansas City’s largest commercial real estate firm, Cohen Esrey; and Assistant Director and Senior Economic Development Consultant, Midwest Accounts with commercial real estate firm, Julien Studley, Chicago.

As a Project Manager for COED, Laura loves getting plugged in wherever her skills are needed. She spearheaded the Cherokee County Technology Infrastructure Study and currently manages the Small Business Grant Program. While she prefers the title, “Swiss Army Knife,” patent laws prevent us from putting it on her business card.

Moving back to Georgia in 2016 with her husband, three children, and Boston Terrier, she loves our community and “will never move anywhere cold again.” In her downtime, Laura enjoys all forms of exercise, reading, and volunteering. Though originally from St. Louis, don’t ask her where she went to high school.