Lauren Macmadu
Strategic Communications Leader | Storyteller | Cultural Strategist
I help organizations, leaders, and brands shape narratives that
build trust, deepen connection, and drive impact.
About Lauren
Lauren Macmadu is a strategic communications leader, storyteller, and cultural strategist with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations strengthen their voice, deepen community connection, and drive impact.
Her work spans brand strategy, executive communications, marketing, media relations, and partnership development. She brings a distinctive blend of executive leadership, creative insight, and mission-driven strategy.
What I Do
Strategic Communications
I help organizations shape clear, compelling communications that build trust, align stakeholders, and support strategic goals.
Brand & Narrative Strategy
I develop messaging and brand strategies that clarify identity, strengthen positioning, and create deeper audience connection.
Executive Positioning
I support leaders in articulating their vision, elevating their voice, and communicating with confidence across internal and external audiences.
Experience
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Chief External Relations Officer
Led external relations and strategic communications for YBCA, overseeing brand, marketing, communications, development alignment, and community engagement.
- Repositioned the institutional brand and helped refresh mission, vision, and values in partnership with the CEO.
- Led audience growth efforts that contributed to a 232% increase in attendance for a major exhibition over 11 weeks.
Donor Network West
Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Directed marketing, communications, advocacy support, and external visibility for a mission-driven health organization serving Northern California and Northern Nevada.
- Supported executive communications and government relations, including advocacy-day planning, volunteer preparation, and legislative engagement.
- Strengthened brand visibility and strategic communications in support of organizational mission and stakeholder trust.
Leadership & Influence
Board, Civic, and National Leadership
Bring a strong record of leadership beyond the workplace through board service, community engagement, national communications leadership, and cross-sector influence.
- Serve in national and regional communications leadership roles with Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated.
- Bring experience in board leadership, civic engagement, speaking, and mission-driven strategy.
20+ Years Leadership Experience | 232% Growth Exhibition Attendance Increase | Cross-Sector Arts, Health, Community, Nonprofit
Writing & Insights
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Honesty Is a Form of Respect
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If Robots Do the Chores, What Do Our Children Learn?
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A Lesson from Fiction I Didn’t Know I Needed
Let’s Connect
I’m open to executive opportunities, board service, speaking engagements, and strategic advisory work.
Lauren Macmadu - Excellence, Leadership, Impact 