Laura Coy is responsible for overseeing William Blair’s foundation, global philanthropy, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts. In this role, she works closely with clients, key stakeholders, and colleagues around the globe to deliver best-in-class programs and approaches for charitable giving and ESG strategies. Laura and her team activate William Blair’s mission, vision, and values to empower colleagues and engage clients in meaningful philanthropic pursuits. Laura works to optimize social and financial capital to advance financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and sustainability.
Before joining William Blair, Laura was the senior manager of corporate social responsibility, public affairs manager, and senior corporate philanthropist for W.W. Grainger, Inc. While at Grainger, she initiated, designed, and led their Corporate Social Responsibility program. Prior to working at Grainger, Laura worked for nonprofits including the National Alzheimer’s Association and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum where she built public-private partnerships to advance research and environmental initiatives. She is the board chair emeritus of the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals, is the incoming board chair of North Park Elementary School. She serves on the leadership council of Loyola’s Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise & Responsibility and the leadership committee of the Illinois Holocaust Museum.