Alumni Profile- Laurie Deyoung MBA, 2010

AWARD-WINNING AGENCY IN EAST LANSING NAMES SOM ALUMNA AS NEW VP

When Laurie DeYoung (MBA, 2010) started as an account director at King Media, a full-service marketing, advertising, public relations and digital media agency based in East Lansing, she never imagined that in less than six years she would be named as the agency’s vice president.

“My new position is a true honor,” said DeYoung, who was promoted to vice president of King Media earlier this year. “Each day I’ve worked at King Media has presented me with an opportunity to make a difference. I love the chance to be both creative and strategic, the satisfaction of moving the needle for our clients, and the collaboration within our talented team.

“The work itself is always challenging – but mostly in a good way. In marketing, you always have to be up to speed on the latest trends so you can develop the most effective solutions for your clients. That’s a tall order, but I’m fortunate to work with talented teammates who work together to stay cutting edge.”

King Media is internationally recognized for its compelling creative execution and experience driving business growth for clients of every size within multiple industries, including agriculture, automotive, education, finance, and healthcare. The agency has won 50 national and international awards in the last six years, including PRNEWS’ Boutique Agency of the Year. In addition to their headquarters in East Lansing, the agency has offices in Grand Rapids and St. Joseph.

“Laurie has brought significant value to King Media,” says Coleen King, president and founder of King Media. “Her leadership, dedication to excellence, and passion for creating positive change are seen and felt by our clients and teammates. She is my right hand in all agency operations, and I couldn’t be more proud of her.”

As vice president of King Media, DeYoung assists King with agency operations, plays a key role in pitches to new clients, collaborates on strategies for existing clients, and directly manages large client accounts. She is also instrumental in the agency’s ongoing expansion throughout Michigan.

DeYoung’s interest in business grew out of her desire to use her writing skills in a meaningful way. Since then, DeYoung admits falling in love with the dynamic nature of the marketing industry and thrives on “a consistent sense of accomplishment.” She grew up in South Lyon and studied English and business as an undergraduate at Alma College. She decided to pursue an MBA from UM-Flint (with a focus on organizational leadership) to maximize her potential for success in the business world.

“The MBA program prepared me to take my career to the next level,” said DeYoung. “Learning alongside other smart, successful professionals helped me discover new perspectives and develop new skills that were simply not possible in my undergraduate education...

“Through classes that focused on communication and leadership, I became more aware of my personality traits and thought processes. One professor taught me not to listen to my ‘inner terminator,’ while another helped me recognize my ‘best self.’ Those important lessons have affected every part of my life.”

In addition to her role at King Media, DeYoung is a member of the Alma College Alumni Board and enjoys mountain biking and competing in triathlons to stay physically and mentally fit. She participates in four or five races/events each summer and trains year-round. Additionally, she coaches the Court One Triathlon Club and is a member of the SPIN Cycling Club and the Mid-Michigan Mountain Biking Association and serves as a volunteer ride leader for the Capital Youth Cycling Adventure Bike Club.

“Career-wise, my greatest accomplishment was being named vice president of King Media after just six years with the company,” said DeYoung. “But on a personal level, my greatest accomplishment continues to be living each day with purpose and passion. Work is part of that, but so is building a beautiful, fulfilling life with my husband and our two children.”