Laura O’Sullivan is a seasoned civic leader, relationship builder, and mission-driven advocate with more than two decades of experience spanning government, higher education, nonprofit management, and national politics. As Vice President of External Affairs at Woodcraft Rangers, Laura brings a rare combination of strategic vision, policy expertise, and communications acumen that strengthens the agency’s voice in Los Angeles and beyond.
Laura leads Woodcraft Rangers’ Policy & Advocacy, Marketing & Communications, and Development teams, serving as a trusted advisor to the CEO and senior leadership on government affairs, education policy, coalition engagement, and external strategy. Her ability to connect people, institutions, and ideas has made her a powerful force in advancing the agency’s mission to ignite the potential of young people.
Before joining Woodcraft Rangers, Laura served as Chief of Staff to Mayor Pete Buttigieg for the City of South Bend, where she drove a vision for a more innovative, equitable, and sustainable community. She has brought that same commitment to consequential work on two Presidential campaigns — as South Bend Political Director for Pete for America in 2020, and as Deputy Director of Surrogate Operations for Harris for President in 2024. Her career also includes leadership roles at the University of Notre Dame, the Northern Indiana March of Dimes, and Michiana Hematology and Oncology, reflecting her versatility and depth across sectors.
A proud 4th generation South Bend native and Purdue University alumna, Laura channels her lifelong belief in people-centered progress into every facet of her work — making her an invaluable champion for the communities Woodcraft Rangers serves.