Her Story
About Laura
Laura Close is an accomplished content and editorial leader with over 15 years of experience developing and managing high-impact digital content across healthcare, behavioral health, publishing, and information-driven industries. She currently serves as Head of Content and Managing Editor for Better Addiction Care, where she leads content strategy, editorial planning, project management, and website redesign initiatives for an addiction treatment platform. Previously, she spent more than six years at American Addiction Centers, overseeing cross-functional editorial teams responsible for more than 30 educational websites, optimizing content performance, improving operational workflows, and driving significant organizational efficiencies.
Throughout her career, Close has built a reputation for combining strategic thinking with editorial excellence to produce accurate, accessible, and meaningful content. Her expertise includes content strategy, editorial leadership, healthcare communications, digital publishing, process optimization, and cross-functional team management. She has successfully led writers, editors, and freelancers while establishing scalable editorial processes, mentoring content professionals, and ensuring consistent brand voice and quality across thousands of digital assets. Her work is driven by a passion for creating human-centered content that helps individuals make informed decisions and access essential healthcare resources.
Close earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from San Diego State University and later completed a Copyediting Certificate through UC San Diego. She attributes her professional success to curiosity, adaptability, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for helping others through meaningful communication. Guided by values of authenticity, empathy, collaboration, integrity, and continuous learning, she strives to cultivate supportive, high-performing teams while embracing innovation and the evolving role of technology in content strategy. As the content industry continues to evolve through artificial intelligence and digital transformation, Close remains committed to combining editorial expertise with strategic leadership to deliver trustworthy, impactful content that serves both organizations and their audiences.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Laura
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my curiosity, adaptability, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for helping others through meaningful communication. I believe in listening carefully, maintaining high editorial standards, and fostering supportive team environments where people can do their best work. I have also benefited greatly from supportive mentors and colleagues who encouraged my growth and helped me develop as both an editor and a leader. Writing practical, human-centered content that helps people access the care they need has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the most valuable lessons I learned came from Kristina Ackermann, former Head of Content at American Addiction Centers. Through her example, she taught me the importance of leading with confidence, empathy, and professionalism. She also demonstrated that the strongest leaders trust their teams, empower people to succeed, and avoid micromanagement while creating an environment where collaboration and accountability can thrive.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to use their voice confidently and never hesitate to share their ideas in meetings. Seek out mentors and build strong professional relationships with colleagues who will support and champion your growth. Make sure your perspective shines through your work while remaining aligned with your organization's goals and brand. Confidence develops through experience, collaboration, and the willingness to continue learning throughout your career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the content industry, presenting both significant challenges and exciting opportunities. While AI can improve efficiency and streamline workflows, authentic human creativity, editorial judgment, strategic thinking, and accuracy remain irreplaceable—particularly in healthcare communications, where precision and trust are essential. I believe the greatest opportunity lies in combining emerging technology with thoughtful content strategy and strong editorial leadership to produce meaningful, reliable content.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value authenticity, empathy, collaboration, integrity, and continuous learning in everything I do. I believe the most impactful content is created with compassion, accuracy, and a genuine understanding of the audience's needs. I also believe in trust-based leadership that supports both professional excellence and personal well-being, creating environments where people feel empowered to contribute their best work.
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