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Libby Dugan
Senior Public Relations Consultant
Professional Background
Libby Dugan is a highly accomplished public relations consultant with significant experience in securing media coverage for diverse clients across multiple industries. Known for her innovative approach, Libby has successfully placed stories in top-tier outlets such as TechCrunch, The New York Times, Forbes, VentureBeat, Healthline, Real Simple, Harper’s Bazaar, MSN, Yahoo!, Bloomberg, and Fortune. After spending over a decade in public relations and advertising agencies, Libby recognized that the traditional PR model was outdated and limiting. In October 2021, she made the bold decision to transition to a more flexible consultant role, allowing her to work directly with clients who resonate with her values and vision.
With a deep understanding of the nuances of media relations and the importance of timely, creative pitches, Libby has established herself as a go-to PR expert, particularly for startups in sectors such as health tech, fintech, and B2C. Her unique strategy involves embedding herself within her clients’ teams, functioning as a fractional Public Relations and Communications Lead, which allows her to dedicate her full attention to achieving impactful results.
Education and Achievements
Libby Dugan earned her Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Indiana University Bloomington, where she honed her analytical and communication skills. Throughout her career, Libby has taken on various roles, progressively building her expertise in public relations. Notably, she served as a Senior Public Relations Consultant at Leap Grow, where she provided strategic communications guidance to startups and established companies alike. Her previous roles have included Owner and Senior Communications Consultant at Libby Dugan Consulting, PR Lead at TOP Worldwide, and PR Director at Pivot Marketing. These experiences enriched her understanding of different industries and refined her ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.
Perhaps one of Libby’s core strengths lies in her ability to pivot strategies quickly and effectively. This adaptability, combined with her creative pitching tactics, has resulted in remarkable media placements for her clients. For instance, her work with Adalo—a platform enabling users to build their own apps without coding—earned favorable coverage in Yahoo! Finance, while her efforts to highlight the impact of low-code tools were featured in Fortune. These examples reflect Libby's knack for generating thought leadership and informative content that engages readers.
Notable Achievements
Libby's journey in public relations is marked by various noteworthy accomplishments. Over the years, she has cultivated strong relationships with journalists and media outlets, enabling her to create opportunities for her clients that drive visibility and traffic. Some of her past corporate clients—ranging from Hershey’s and USAA to VISA and AT&T—demonstrate her ability to navigate high-profile PR. Beyond corporate giants, Libby pours her expertise into startups, equipping them with the strategic insights needed to carve out a niche.
Her work reflects a deep commitment to ethically-driven storytelling and the power of informed communication. For example, her investigative piece that addressed the burgeoning market of fake Covid vaccination cards aired on CNBC, a testament to her ability to tackle relevant, timely issues in the news cycle. Additionally, she explored health-related topics, such as nutrition, showcasing her versatility regarding subject matter. An article in Real Simple titled “Are Honey and Maple Syrup Really Healthier Than Sugar? We Asked Nutritionists” is another example of her efforts in creating educational content that informs and engages the audience.
Libby's expertise in PR is underscored by a robust history of effective collaborations. Flexible contracts, a lean pricing structure, and her deep commitment to client success position her as an invaluable asset in today's ever-evolving media landscape. Her dedication to working only with 2-3 clients at a time reflects her intention to ensure that her clients receive the utmost focus and tailored strategies to achieve their goals.
Achievements
- Secured extensive media coverage across major outlets such as TechCrunch, The New York Times, and Forbes.
- Shifted from agency work to direct client engagement as a PR consultant in October 2021.
- Developed a strong track record of impactful media placements and PR campaigns for both corporate giants and startups.
- Created successful, timely pitches that resonate with journalists and their audiences, resulting in high-quality media stories.
- Emphasized a client-centered approach by embedding herself within client teams, serving a fractional PR/Communications Lead role.
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Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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