Director of Development
Brief info
Born and raised on the shores of Lake Erie, Laura Gray is proud of her family’s longstanding U.S. military history. Laura is a confident communicator and passionate people connector, with extensive experience in relationship cultivation and development from both corporate and non-profit sectors. In her role as the Director of Development for the USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation, Laura leads development and outreach efforts, which include building and maintaining strategic partnerships with the citizens of Northeast Ohio, corporations, local veteran organizations and area schools. Laura works to advance the mission of the Foundation by ensuring the crew of the future USS Cleveland (LCS-31) is continually embraced and supported by the community of their namesake city.
A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Laura has held leadership positions at non-profits across the country. She was recruited back to Cleveland for a Sales and Human Resources role with General Electric Lighting. Following this opportunity, she devoted many years as a full-time mom to her 3 sons before re-entering the workforce. She then worked with business consulting firms for 10 years before taking on her most recent position as Director of Development for The ALS Association.
In 2015, Laura founded IPride, a successful self-esteem youth empowerment program. She has been a keynote speaker at numerous youth leadership conferences and has served on various local boards, including as President of The Andy Nowacki Foundation.
An award-winning published author, kidney donor, and children’s advocate, Laura was invited to testify before the Ohio Senate Judiciary Committee in December 2024 on behalf of HB 322.
Laura considers herself a “life ambassador” and is dedicated to supporting the sailors and the families of the future USS Cleveland (LCS-31). She is committed to making a meaningful impact on the community and her beloved Buckeye state of Ohio.