Award Winning Speeches

I have written speeches that leaders have delivered to acclaim at major forums throughout the world and which have been published in Vital Speeches of the Day, Executive Speaker, and in McGraw Hill’s 50 High-Impact Speeches and Remarks.

Over the course of my career, I’ve received awards for excellence in communications programs and speechwriting by the Public Relations Society of America, the International Association of Business Communicators, and other professional organizations—but my true measure of success is how I’ve helped leaders move their organizations forward.

Public Relations Specialist

Today, in addition to serving clients of Executive Scribe, I’m on the faculty of The George Washington University’s College of Professional Studies, where I teach a graduate course on international public relations.

Fortune 500 Experience

Previously, I was vice president of marketing and communications for Booz Allen Hamilton, the Fortune 500 global consulting firm. Leading the function for more than 20 years, my responsibilities spanned: corporate identity and brand communications; marketing strategy and programs; press relations and executive communications; digital communications; employee communications; community relations; and investor relations communications.

I served as the chief communications officer for two CEOs—handling executive communications and speechwriting; managing communications for major corporate transitions including a leveraged buy-out, initial public offering, and acquisitions and divestitures; and leading crisis communications for situations ranging from employees deaths on 9/11 to cyber attacks and insider threat revelations. I’ve also served in management and governance roles, and been responsible for communications for the firm’s Executive Leadership Team and Board of Directors.

Prior to joining Booz Allen, I was on the Corporate Communications staff of NUS Corporation, a subsidiary of Halliburton Corporation, where I wrote, edited and produced the corporation’s quarterly magazine, and supervised production of the annual report.

Professionally Trained Writer

I hold a B.A. degree from Loyola University Maryland, an M.S. in public relations from American University, and a graduate certificate in investor relations from the University of California, Irvine.

Sports and Hobbies

When I’m not writing, I love winter sports—skiing, snowshoeing, and figure skating (earning the US Figure Skating Association’s gold test medal in ice dance), and can’t get enough of travel, art, nature, and the outdoors. Dogs and classic cars always make me smile.

–Marie L. Lerch

Executive Scribe, LLC is a woman-owned small business. Visa, Master Card, electronic transfers, and checks are accepted for payment for services.