Lauren Oakley

Digital Communications, Marketing & Technology Strategist

Born and raised in a small town outside Dallas, I discovered my passion for storytelling in a high school broadcast journalism class, leading me to the University of Texas at Austin to pursue journalism. However, as the industry shifted, I pivoted to digital media and technology, exploring graphic design, web development, and multimedia production.

This transition led me to the association world, where I’ve built a career spanning over a decade in communications, marketing, and technology strategy—working with organizations like the Texas Dental Association and National Association of Dental Plans. With expertise in digital marketing, web design, eCommerce, CRM platforms, project management, and multimedia production, I’ve combined creativity with technology to drive results.

In 2017, I earned a Master’s in Information Communications and Technology from the University of Denver, further refining my ability to develop digital solutions that align with business strategies. Now, I’m looking for my next step—a director-level role where I can apply my skills to lead digital transformation, optimize marketing strategies, and drive innovation within an organization with a strong culture and vision.

Beyond Work

When I’m not geeking out over web design, digital marketing, and creative media, you’ll find me cooking, working out (or pretending to), gardening, binging crime shows, or enjoying Tex-Mex and wine. I am also obsessed with my dog, antiques, and repurposed treasures—and yes, I firmly believe pizza and brunch are essential food groups.

professional experience

Associate Director of Communications & Technology
National Association of Dental Plans (NADP)
2014 – Present • Dallas

Technology

• Develop, implement, and evaluate a cohesive mission-aligned digital, technology and data strategy for the organization.
• Provide direction and management for all technology across the organization, including tools, project management, internal communications, databases and infrastructure.
• Actively participate in business development to assess opportunities and continually evaluate new technologies and trends to increase business results.
• Manage and maintain CRM / AMS membership database and implement into other digital platforms.
• New employee training and onboarding.
• Collaborate with programs, communications, and administration departments in guiding day-to-day website, technology and data operations.
• Manage a digital/technology budget and resource allocation, including management of consultants and staff, if applicable.
• Responsible for the practices, administration, policies, controls, compliance and standards by working with company IT vendor to ensure security and consistency of IT systems, including websites, email security, networks, firewalls, virus protection and software applications.
• Collect data and analyze processes to provide business intelligence information to management, including identifying actionable insights from website, CRMs, and program and membership databases.

Websites

• Maintain, design, or build all websites and digital platforms with authoring or scripting languages, content creation tools, management tools, and digital media.
• Optimize website exposure by analyzing search engine patterns to direct online placement of keywords or other content.
• Implement online user processes to ensure positive and consistent user experiences.
• Write, design, or edit web page content, or direct others producing content.
• Engage, train, and educate staff in content management best practices.
• Execute all web-based content updates.
• Implement internal processes with the Director of Communications to forecast scheduling, outline project tasks, timeline and resources, identify barriers hindering effectiveness and provide solutions for website and web-related external communications.

Marketing and Communications

• Develop unique marketing ideas and campaigns to promote NADP membership recruitment, registration for events, webinars, and research report sales.
• Staff liaison for the association’s Communication Committee which develops, directs, and deploys a communications strategy to position the association as the voice and thought leader of the dental benefits industry. Present marketing pitches to the committee and received feedback. Provide explanations for decisions when required and incorporate requested changes.
• Responsible for all social media campaigns, utilizing the platforms to raise brand awareness and recruit members as well as promote upcoming NADP events and webinars.
• Conduct and design all online marketing initiatives, such as paid ad placement, retargeting, affiliate programs, email promotions, or campaigns on social media.
• Press releases and distribution.
• Brand advocacy and awareness.
• Analyzing analytic reports for all NADP campaigns to observe performance and identify trends to tailor communication and marketing efforts accordingly.
• Create and develop videos for events and other needs of the association through Adobe Premier and marketing them across digital platforms and social media accordingly.
• Improve executive and management communications by providing coaching, training, messaging, and developing and implementing standard and consistent communication processes, procedures, materials and tools.
• Collaborate on messaging and communication strategies with public relations, member communications, marketing, and social media teams.
• Influenced and led a variety of change management efforts, including association leadership transition and internal cultural change, by participating on cross-functional teams, drafting communication plans and tools, and providing coaching, training, and messaging.
• Supported and championed re-branding efforts by contributing communications expertise and organizational knowledge in the shaping and development of brand standards, tools and communications, and leadership.

Publications Coordinator
Texas Dental Association (TDA)
2011 – 2013 • Austin

At TDA, I was responsible for advertising sales for the Texas Dental Journal, the longest existing scientific dental journal in the Americas with a readership over 50,000. I also managed all payments for advertising and subscribers for TDA publications. I provided copy editing and proofreading support for both publications as well as graphic design of the TDA Today. I was the staff liaison for the Student Organization which included many visits the dental schools for speaking engagements and new member recruiting events. I also provided graphic design/multimedia support for TDA when needed.

Communications Coordinator
Texas Academy of General Dentistry (TAGD)
2009 – 2011• Austin

At TAGD, I was the point of contact for all technology-related issues. I managed all web platforms and online courses. I provided marketing, graphic design and promotional support for all TAGD educational events as well as our regional component’s CE events (Dallas AGD, Houston AGD, etc.). I managed all social media strategy and campaigns along with implementation, execution, and design of email marketing according to current trends and metrics. I also provided editorial assistance with all print and digital publications. I managed the PACE certification program. I provided support for all communications efforts for TAGD as well as managed volunteer recruitment and member engagement. Provided graphic design and production support for the association’s quarterly magazine, the Texas GP.

Member Services Director
Associated Security Services & Investigators of the State of Texas (ASSIST)
2010-2012

At ASSIST, I designed and created effective marketing mailers that resulted in increased membership. I also maintained membership records and payments. I developed and distributed new membership retention materials as well as statewide email marketing and newsletters. I provided promotional insight and implementation for conferences and regional CE meetings. I was in charge of managing and producing the association’s quarterly magazine, Managing Security Today. This was a contract position where I worked remotely in addition to my full-time job.

Communications Assistant
Public Strategies, Inc.
2009 – 2012 • Austin

For Public Strategies, I created and implemented social media and multimedia marketing for upcoming women’s networking conferences around the nation. I created video highlights through video production software as well as podcasts from conferences for publication. I became proficient in Joomla through various training seminars for the website. This was a contract position where I worked from home in addition to my full-time job.

Adobe Creative Suite - Illustrator - InDesign - Photoshop - Premiere Pro - After Effects - Dreamweaver - Audition - Acrobat Pro	Email Marketing - Informz - MailChimp - Constant Contact	Marketing Automation - Marketo - Informz - Constant Contact - MailChimp - Real Magnet - HubSpot
Advertising - Feathr - Adbutler - Google Adwords - LinkedIn Campaign Manager - Facebook Ads Manager	Project Management Software - Microsoft Project - TeamWork - Basecamp - Todoist - Microsoft Teams - Microsoft Planner - Trello	Video & Audio - Final Cut Pro - iMovie - Adobe Premiere Pro - Camtasia - Adobe Audition
Cloud Server Admin - ShareSync - Dropbox - Google Drive - SharePoint - OneDrive	Association Management Systems (AMS) - MemberSuite - Abila - iMIS - Timberlake (now Naylor) - Nimble - SAMs / Crystal Reports	Website Content Management Systems - HigherLogic - Drupal - WordPress - Sitefinity - DotNetNuke - WorldNow - Joomla
Social Media - HootSuite - Tweetdeck	Office 365 - Admin Management - Outlook - Teams - Excel - Word - PowerPoint - OneDrive - SharePoint - Planner - Forms	Google Products - Analytics - Adwords - Google Drive - Hangout - GSuite
Learning Management System (LMS) - CommPartners - Peach New Media	Events & Conferences - CrowdCompass by CVENT - Pathable	Collaboration Software - Slack - Microsoft Teams - Convo - Yammer - Skype
Graphics - Adobe Illustrator - Adobe InDesign - Adobe Photoshop - Canva

I created OakleyCreative in 2011 after receiving numerous requests for freelance work in graphic design, website development, digital marketing, and video production. What started as a side hustle quickly grew into a passion-driven business, allowing me to collaborate with small businesses, associations, and entrepreneurs to bring their brands to life.

Over the years, I’ve helped clients with custom branding, social media strategy, eCommerce solutions, content creation, email marketing, and multimedia production—all while balancing my full-time career in communications and technology. My goal with OakleyCreative is to provide high-quality, visually compelling, and results-driven digital solutions that help businesses grow and stand out in the digital landscape.

Even as I continue my 9-to-5 career in digital strategy and leadership, I remain committed to helping brands tell their stories, build their online presence, and create engaging experiences through design and technology. Whether it’s a new website, marketing campaign, or video project, I love bringing creative ideas to life!

• Contact me for more information at [email protected].
  
• Follow me on Instagram at @OakleyCreative
• Find me on Facebook at facebook.com/oakleycreative
• Check out my Etsy Shop: oakleycreative.etsy.com

Tech & Digital Strategies for Financial Freedom 

I started Digital Boss Inspo in 2025 as a platform dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs, content creators, and associations build sustainable passive income streams and make smarter tech decisions for success.

With over 16 years of experience evaluating and selecting software for associations, I’ve helped organizations streamline operations, improve efficiency, and scale with the right tools. Now, I’m combining that expertise with proven digital marketing strategies to help businesses and individuals leverage technology confidently, grow their brands, and create financial freedom online.

At Digital Bossin I provide expert guidance on:

✔ Building Passive Income Streams – From affiliate marketing to digital product sales

✔ Monetizing Social Media – Strategies to turn followers into paying customers

✔ Creating & Selling Digital Products – E-books, templates, courses, and leveraging PLR/MRR for profit

✔ Tech & Software Guidance – Helping associations & entrepreneurs choose and implement the right tools

✔ How-To Hubs & Consulting – Step-by-step resources to simplify your digital journey

✔ 1-on-1 Coaching & Training – Tailored advice to help you start and scale your business

Whether you’re an association leader looking for the right tech solutions, a creator building a profitable online brand, or an entrepreneur ready to scale, Digital Boss Inspo provides the strategies, tools, and insights to turn your skills into profit, simplify your workflow, and build a business that works for you.

💡 Let’s build your digital success together! 🚀

• 📩 Contact: [email protected]
• 📲 Instagram: @digitalbossin
• 👍 Facebook: facebook.com/digitalbossinspo
• 🛍️ Shop: digitalbossin.shop