ELISE LAPHAM
Lynnfield
Summary
Senior Corporate Communications Executive with 20+ years of experience leading enterprise-wide communications, change management, and executive engagement across global financial services, life sciences, and insurance organizations. Trusted advisor to C-suite leaders with a proven record of driving transformation, M&A communications, and employee engagement during periods of significant organizational change. Known for building high-impact communications strategies that align leaders, employees, and stakeholders to business objectives.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head of Corporate Communications & Employee Engagement
Guardian Life Insurance
New York
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Led enterprise communications strategy supporting digital transformation, organizational change, and executive engagement.
- Partnered with C-suite leaders to align communications with business priorities and strengthen employee connection and culture.
Head of Corporate Communications
Danaher Corporation
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Directed global communications strategy supporting business growth, transformation initiatives, and leadership communications within a highly matrixed, global organization.
Vice President, Corporate Communications
Edelman Financial Engines
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Led corporate communications, thought leadership, and executive positioning for a leading financial services firm.
Director, Corporate Communications (Technology)
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Boston
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Led executive and employee communications supporting digital transformation initiatives.
- Advised senior leaders, developed executive messaging, and led change communications across multiple business units.
Global Director, Corporate Communications & Employee Engagement
Merck Pharmaceuticals
Billerica
01.2007 - 01.2015
- Directed global communications strategy supporting business growth, M&A integration, and enterprise engagement.
- Led communications for a $7B acquisition and global organizational transformation.
Director of Corporate Communications
Sun Life Financial
Wellesley
01.2000 - 01.2007
- Led corporate communications strategy supporting IPO, major expansion initiatives, and executive communications.
Education
Master of Science - Public Relations
Boston University
BostonBachelor of Arts - Political Science
Wheaton College
Skills
- Executive & Leadership Communications
- Executive communications
- Crisis management
- Change communications
- Strategic messaging
- Digital transformation
- Stakeholder engagement
- Enterprise Change & Transformation
- M&A and Integration Communications
- Corporate & Employee Communications
- Crisis & Issues Management
- Global Communications Strategy
- Thought Leadership & Media Relations
- Employee Engagement & Culture
- Digital & Internal Communications
- Team leadership
- Corporate storytelling
Affiliations And Recognition
- Public Relations Society of America (Accredited Member)
- Bell Ringer Awards – Multiple Categories
- Outstanding Website Award – LCA Communications
- Best of Show – External Publicity Program
- Community Leadership & Fundraising Recognition
Selected Executive Accomplishments
- Prosci Certified Change Management Practitioner with extensive experience leading enterprise-wide change and transformation initiatives.
- Led global transformation communications for Guardian Life, partnering with executive leadership to support enterprise-wide change impacting more than 5,000 employees.
- Directed M&A communications for a $58B transaction with HPS and BlackRock, ensuring clarity, alignment, and engagement throughout the integration.
- Served as communications strategist to CIO and executive leadership at Liberty Mutual, supporting large-scale digital transformation initiatives.
- Led communications for a $7B acquisition at Merck, supporting integration of 10,000+ employees worldwide.
- Developed enterprise executive communications programs that elevated leadership visibility and strengthened organizational alignment.
- Led development and global launch of intranet platforms serving 40,000+ employees.
- Managed crisis and change communications for large-scale reorganizations across multiple business units.
Core Expertise
- Executive Communications
- Enterprise Change & Transformation
- M&A and Integration Communications
- Corporate & Employee Communications
- Crisis & Issues Management
- Global Communications Strategy
- Thought Leadership & Media Relations
- Employee Engagement & Culture
- Digital & Internal Communications
Team Building and Mentorship
Certification
Prosci Certified Change Management Practioner
Timeline
Head of Corporate Communications & Employee Engagement
Guardian Life Insurance
01.2022 - 01.2025
Head of Corporate Communications
Danaher Corporation
01.2020 - 01.2022
Vice President, Corporate Communications
Edelman Financial Engines
01.2019 - 01.2022
Director, Corporate Communications (Technology)
Liberty Mutual Insurance
01.2015 - 01.2019
Global Director, Corporate Communications & Employee Engagement
Merck Pharmaceuticals
01.2007 - 01.2015
Director of Corporate Communications
Sun Life Financial
01.2000 - 01.2007
Master of Science - Public Relations
Boston University
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Wheaton College