Laura McMahon Fulford
Rockville
Summary
Data analytics and survey research professional with over eight years of experience managing high-visibility projects across healthcare, nonprofit, and academic sectors. Expertise in survey design and stakeholder engagement, translating complex findings into actionable insights. Proficient in statistical and visualization tools to enhance data communication and inform strategic decisions.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Market Insight Advisor
The Cigna Group
Remote
04.2024 - Current
- Served as the performance guarantee survey subject matter expert for national and large-market clients, overseeing end-to-end survey intake, feasibility, execution, and reporting across medical, behavioral, and specialty programs.
- Led process redesign and standardization for survey operations, creating scalable workflows, decision trees, job aids, and handoff documentation to reduce rework and improve operational governance.
- Partnered cross-functionally with account teams, product, analytics, compliance, and operations to align survey methodology with contractual requirements, CMS guidance, and internal governance standards.
- Advised account executives and client stakeholders on survey modality options (email, mail, mixed-mode), timing considerations, and risk flags to ensure accurate measurement and defensible outcomes.
- Managed concurrent, high-visibility client engagements, including complex performance guarantee programs, while ensuring transparency of deliverables, clear RACI ownership, and leadership-ready communication.
Market Insight Lead Analyst (Survey Specialist)
The Cigna Group
06.2022 - 04.2024
- Manage a portfolio of surveys measuring customer satisfaction, product performance, and client experience in partnership with contract directors and external vendors.
- Analyzed survey data and created client-facing reports and presentations that effectively communicated actionable insights and comparative market findings, enhancing client understanding of market trends.
- Translate complex survey results into concise recommendations for stakeholders with varying levels of technical expertise.
- Collaborated with cross-functional departments to create Voice of Customer, pilot program, and product feedback surveys using Verint, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Program and conduct quality assurance testing for surveys connected to contact lists, organizational websites, and internal databases to ensure accurate response collection and sampling.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Project Specialist
Feeding America
04.2021 - 04.2022
- Facilitated development and implementation of data-informed EDI initiatives for 200+ member national network, enhancing organizational leadership's strategic direction.
- Designed annual survey questions and reporting mechanisms to assess organizational EDI progress and engagement.
- Coordinated stakeholder communications and workplans, optimizing cross-functional collaboration and ensuring project alignment.
- S synthesized feedback and research findings into actionable materials for leadership and organizational partners, informing decision-making processes.
Graduate Assistant
American University, Department of Public Affairs
Washington
08.2020 - 10.2021
- Supported an international online experiment examining public perceptions of government responses to COVID-19 across eight countries.
- Co-developed, programmed, analyzed, and co-authored findings for a campus readiness survey related to civil unrest, COVID-19, and student needs.
- Conducted research on public sector and nonprofit workforce dynamics using survey datasets and statistical analysis methods.
- Performed research design, data collection, data cleaning, and analysis using Stata, R, and Qualtrics.
- Collaborated with faculty researchers to summarize findings and communicate results clearly to stakeholders.
Research Project Manager
Feeding the Gulf Coast
Mobile
04.2019 - 04.2020
- Managed multi-state implementation planning for Service Insights software designed to track outcomes for food insecure clients across a 400+ agency network.
- Created and led research-focused role to enhance client-centered analytics and service area analysis.
- Facilitated stakeholder interviews, information-gathering sessions, and presentations to evaluate operational readiness and technology adoption.
- Synthesized qualitative and quantitative feedback to strengthen organizational buy-in and optimize reporting strategies.
- Managed grant-funded budgets and reporting requirements while collaborating with department leadership on resource allocation.
- Developed presentations and reports to effectively communicate findings to internal leadership and external stakeholders.
Data Analyst & Polling Lab Manager
USA Polling Group
Mobile
05.2016 - 03.2020
- Delivered actionable findings from large datasets and public opinion research under tight deadlines, ensuring timely insights for stakeholders.
- Conducted qualitative and quantitative research including polling, focus groups, SWOT analyses, and community needs assessments.
- Coordinated design, data collection, and reporting for healthcare Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) to support informed community health strategies.
- Supervised polling call center operations and ensured accurate collection and reporting of survey data.
- Compiled and presented polling results aligned with client research goals, enhancing strategic decision-making processes.
Agency Relations Manager
Feeding the Gulf Coast
Mobile
05.2017 - 06.2019
- Managed agency relations, compliance, training, and communications for 400+ partner agencies across 24-county service area, enhancing collaboration and support.
- Directed implementation of federal nutrition assistance programs across multiple states and improved operational workflows and reporting processes.
- Managed departmental budgets supported by federal and grant funding.
- Collaborated with nonprofit partners and community stakeholders to develop data-informed solutions addressing needs of underserved populations.
Graduate Research Assistant
University of South Alabama
Mobile
08.2014 - 05.2016
- Executed survey support activities, data cleaning, GIS mapping, legal research, and statistical analysis using Stata to enhance research outcomes.
- Facilitated preparation and editing of research manuscripts for journal submission, ensuring clarity and adherence to publication standards.
- Contributed to academic research projects on public policy, political attitudes, healthcare perceptions, and poverty-related policy analysis.
Education
Master of Public Administration - Geographic Information Systems
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL05-2016
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI04-2012
Master of Science - Data Science
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE05-2026
Skills
- Survey Research & Polling Analytics
- Quantitative & Qualitative Research & Analysis
- Research Design & Experimental Methods
- Analytics & Statistical Tools: R, Stata, Tableau, ArcGIS, Qualtrics, Verint, SurveyMonkey, Python
- Survey Platforms: Qualtrics, Verint, SurveyMonkey
- Project & Program Management
- Grant & Budget Management
- Client Presentation & Stakeholder Communication
- Data & Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, CoPilot, Teams), Google Workspace, Slack, Confluence
Published Work
- Cuffey, I. M., Katare, B., & McMahon Fulford, L. (2023). Supplemental nutrition assistance program work requirements and Emergency Food Assistance Usage. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 65(2), 270-277. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2023.01.029
- Bass, S. A., McMahon Fulford, L, & Finley, A. (2020, November 30). Academic year 2021-2022: Are College campuses ready? https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED617026
- 2019-2021 Infirmary Health Community Health Needs Assessment (as Laura Carson)
- 2015-2016 University of South Alabama Hospitals Community Health Needs Assessment (as Laura Carlson)
Professional Development Community Involvement
- Racial Equity Training through the Center for Equity & Inclusion
- Advisory Committee on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for Feeding America’s National Council
- Feeding America Ending Hunger Community of Practice
- Gulf Coast Health Policy Research Fellow, Class of 2018
Timeline
Market Insight Advisor
The Cigna Group
04.2024 - Current
Market Insight Lead Analyst (Survey Specialist)
The Cigna Group
06.2022 - 04.2024
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Project Specialist
Feeding America
04.2021 - 04.2022
Graduate Assistant
American University, Department of Public Affairs
08.2020 - 10.2021
Research Project Manager
Feeding the Gulf Coast
04.2019 - 04.2020
Agency Relations Manager
Feeding the Gulf Coast
05.2017 - 06.2019
Data Analyst & Polling Lab Manager
USA Polling Group
05.2016 - 03.2020
Graduate Research Assistant
University of South Alabama
08.2014 - 05.2016
Master of Public Administration - Geographic Information Systems
University of South Alabama
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
Grand Valley State University
Master of Science - Data Science
Bellevue University