Marla Pugh

Communications Expert @Marla Pugh Communications

🧨 Consulting🔥 Startup Founder💸 MarketingBusiness Owner

Marla Pugh is a seasoned Communications Expert with an extensive background in public relations, corporate communications, and media relations. She is the founder and driving force behind Marla Pugh Communications, a company dedicated to providing top-tier communication solutions to a wide variety of businesses and organizations. With a career spanning over two decades, Marla has honed her skills in strategic planning, change management, crisis management, and brand messaging. Her ability to craft compelling narratives and deliver clear, concise messages has made her a trusted advisor to many high-profile clients. Marla holds a degree in Communications and is a certified change manager. She is also founder and director of a successful animal rescue - Josie's Misfit Ranch, helping to establish it as the best non-profit in the region after only 2 years of operation. She is also a published author. Marla has a genuine passion for helping businesses effectively communicate their vision and value. You can learn more about Marla at www.marlapugh.com

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Work Background

Marla Pugh CommunicationsPrincipal Owner

Feb. 2021Seattle, Washington, United StatesResponsibilities: During this job role, I orchestrate development and execution of a human resources communications strategy to ensure alignment with HR strategy and company objectives. I devise a recruiting communication strategy to allure top talent and showcase company’s culture. I craft and curate content across various communication channels such as company emails, blogs, digital and social media platforms, Slack, intranets, internal presentations, digital newsletters, speeches, and company meetings. I lead enhancement of dynamic employee intranets, fostering engagement, soliciting feedback, and addressing concerns. Key Achievements: ● Revamped All Hands meetings to enhance employee participation and deliver inspiring, pertinent messaging. ● Engineered change communication plans and materials for significant events such as company acquisitions. ● Oversaw employee surveys and engagement initiatives to gauge and enhance organizational morale. ● Provided support for employee meetings and events, including senior leadership team gatherings. ● Designed visually compelling graphics and posters to support communication initiatives.

NovartisDirector Of Communications, Global Cell and Gene Therapy

Sep. 2018 - Dec. 2020East Hanover, New JerseyResponsibilities: During this job role, I established and oversaw global communication function for a rapidly expanding Cell and Gene manufacturing platform. I devised comprehensive communication plans and channels to synchronize manufacturing sites and functions worldwide with organization's strategy and objectives. I fostered close collaboration with commercial team and partnered with CMO to synchronize communication strategies and external messaging for Kymriah. I provided extensive support for external media engagements by coaching and preparing manufacturing executives for speaking opportunities and press inquiries to amplify leadership messaging to both internal and external audiences. Key Achievements: ● Developed and implemented of COVID-19 response plans to ensure continued safe manufacturing for patients and mitigate supply chain disruptions amidst a global pandemic. ● Partnered with various departments and organizations to devise and implement strategic change communication plans for several major milestones. ● Relocated non-manufacturing-based support roles to Operational Centers in lower-cost countries to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs. ● Coordinated ramp-up activities and commercial launch endeavors at Novartis Cell and Gene sites in Europe and US.

NovartisDirector of Communications - Americas and Special Technologies

May. 2017 - Sep. 2018Wilson, North CarolinaResponsibilities: During this job role, I headed development, implementation, and maintenance of strategic communications for Americas and Special Technologies cluster of Novartis, while overseeing eight manufacturing sites across United States, South America, and Europe. I provided leadership coaching on leveraging communication skills to manage employee expectations and engagement during various large-scale change initiatives, including the shutdown of a manufacturing site in Colorado, facilitating consolidation and product transfer to another site in North Carolina, divestiture of three US generic manufacturing sites, and generic oral and dermatology portfolio to another company, aligning with Novartis' strategic focus on value-added products and biosimilars. Key Achievements: ● Directed a confidential change communications program aimed at divesting and closing down several manufacturing sites as part of company's product realignment strategy. ● Led key communication efforts for a network of manufacturing sites spanning Colorado, North Carolina, California, Germany, and Mexico. ● Offered counsel to group leaders on enhancing communication effectiveness in navigating periods of change and crisis.

NovartisAssociate Director, Communications

Apr. 2012 - Apr. 2017San CarlosResponsibilities: During this job role, I formulated, executed, and oversaw strategic communication plans for both a commercial manufacturing site and a technical research and development site to foster alignment toward common goals, while preserving individual priorities. I developed and implemented strategic communication plans for various change management initiatives, including launching a new commercial product at site, integrating a commercial manufacturing site into a development site, and facilitating closure and transfer of research and development site to Switzerland. Key Achievements: ● Directed employee engagement efforts as well as conducted focus groups and surveys to gather valuable insights and foster a culture of continuous improvement. ● Spearheaded cultural initiatives, including a "Better Place to Work" campaign to enhance talent retention and improve rewards and recognition programs. ● Directed communications for a transition of a research and development site into a manufacturing facility for a new product.

Applied MaterialsInternal Communications Manager

Mar. 2011 - Mar. 2012Santa Clara, California, United StatesResponsible for managing a variety of internal communications programs to effectively reach more than 13,000 diverse employees at a publicly traded, complex, global technology organization