Washington, D.C., February 5, 1999 – The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has named Laura E. Head director of communications and industry relations. CCIA is an international, nonprofit alliance of computer and communications firms.
In her new role as CCIA’s primary media contact and industry liaison, Head will participate in guiding the association’s strategic course on evolving policy issues facing the membership, which includes, among other businesses, computer equipment manufacturers, software providers, communications and networking equipment manufacturers, and telecommunications and online service providers.
Prior to joining CCIA, Head was the senior media relations associate for investment bank Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc. She previously served as public relations manager for the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, where she directed the industry’s public relations and advertising programs. From 1993 until 1995, Head was press secretary to U.S. Representative Rob Portman, R-OH. She began her Capitol Hill career in 1991 as deputy press secretary to then-Senator William S. Cohen, R-ME, who is now the secretary of defense.
Head received a master’s degree in political management from The George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Maryland at College Park. From 1993 until 1995, Head served on the board of directors for the Society of Professional Journalists’ Washington, D.C., chapter.