Laurie Tortorello

Laurie Tortorello serves as the Director of People & Culture Communications at RS Americas, a prominent global provider of innovative product and service solutions for industrial equipment, manufacturing, and operations. In this capacity, Laurie takes charge of devising and implementing internal communication strategies, processes, and tactics to effectively engage with geographically dispersed teams, encompassing remote, hybrid, and "unwired" workforce setups. Her purview extends to offices and distribution centers across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.

A key facet of Tortorello's role involves spearheading communication strategies and overseeing the integration of communications during corporate mergers and acquisitions. Notably, she recently led these efforts in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Trinidad & Tobago. Prior to her tenure at RS Americas, Tortorello accumulated 15 years of experience in the aerospace and defense sector. During this time, she played a pivotal role in international communications, including a temporary assignment as the Head of Communications in Australia and New Zealand.

Tortorello has held senior positions driving strategic global communications and media relations for Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II program, recognized as the largest military defense procurement initiative in history. Her responsibilities spanned across more than a dozen countries, where she fostered favorable communications and media environments in support of key strategic business goals. Tortorello holds a Master of Science degree in Communications Management from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communications, complemented by a bachelor’s degree in communications studies from State University of New York - Oswego.