Laura has over 25 years of experience working in public administration, grants management, grant writing, and real estate development. She has been employed in leadership roles serving as a Project Manager and then Director between 2008 and 2019 overseeing HUD Community and Economic Development grant programs such as Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME).  

She holds a Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate degree from Georgetown University, a Master of Public Administration Degree from Valdosta State University, and a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Georgia Southwestern State University.  

In recent years, Laura has written numerous grant proposals for programs such as CDBG, HOME, and mental health and substance use, winning awards ranging from $500,000 to $2 million.