Following a national search led by Lindauer, Heilenday will deliver new and innovative ways to engage a global network of 200,000 Duke alumni.
Laura Heilenday, Vice President of Paid Media & Digital Marketing at Choice Hotels International, will be the inaugural Associate Vice President and Chief Engagement Officer for Duke University.
Heilenday will begin her role at Duke on June 1. She follows Scott Greenwood, who has served as interim Chief Engagement Officer since 2023.
“Laura brings a great set of professional skills, perspectives, and a proven track record of motivating high-performing teams,” said Dave Kennedy, Duke’s Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Development. “But as much as anything, Laura is someone who lives, breathes, and loves Duke. We’re excited about the impact she can make as we deliver new and innovative ways to engage Duke alumni at the moments that matter most to them.”
Heilenday’s appointment follows a national search led by Lindauer Global and an advisory committee that included Duke senior leaders, trustees, Duke Alumni executive committee members, Alumni Engagement and Development staff, and students.
As the Vice President of Paid Media & Digital Marketing at Choice Hotels International, Heilenday is responsible for enterprise paid marketing, paid media, field marketing, and search engine optimization for the 22 brands in the Choice Hotels portfolio. During her tenure, the company posted record revenues, launched campaigns with new media partners such as Amazon Ads and collegiate sports partner Learfield, and relaunched enterprise organic social media. She also served as the company’s marketing lead for the integration of Radisson Americas and is on the Choice Hotels Diversity Advisory Council and Snapchat for Travel Executive Council.
“I am thrilled to join the Alumni Engagement and Development team and represent 200,000 global alumni as the inaugural Chief Engagement Officer,” said Heilenday. “Duke has been such an important part of my personal and professional life for over two decades, and I am truly honored to have the opportunity to serve the institution.”
Read the full announcement on Duke’s website.
Laura Heilenday was appointed in April 2024. The search was led by Lindauer Senior Executive Vice President Jill Lasman and Senior Consultant Raegan Harvey.