Biography

Lauren Leist serves as the Professional-in-Residence for Political Communication at the Manship School. She previously worked at the Baton Rouge Alliance for Students as Director of Strategic Communication. For eight years, she served as Speechwriter and later Communications Director for Gov. John Bel Edwards, overseeing strategic messaging for multiple natural disasters, COVID, and the implementation of the governor’s top policy priorities. She has a background in journalism and holds bachelor's and master's degrees from LSU in political communication. Originally from Laurel, MS, she is a proud longtime resident of downtown Baton Rouge and enjoys being involved in her community.