Elaine Lyerly co-founded Lyerly Agency on November 7, 1977. Over the years, she has become a widely respected and sought after brand strategist and has amassed years of experience in all aspects of brand development and communications. Elaine believes strong brands are essential to building bottom-line value and customer loyalty and works to help businesses achieve this. She has advised hundreds of companies in various industries and has led numerous strategic research and integrated marketing assignments. In addition, Elaine has extensive experience in marketing, advertising, corporate communications and public relations including crisis management and media training. She has coached executives of all levels to become powerful public speakers and adept at dealing with the media.
Beyond helping other executives market their business interests, Elaine has actively and effectively planned for the long-term success of Lyerly Agency. Recognized consistently by industry peers, Lyerly Agency has been honored with many awards for the firm’s creativity and strategic prowess, including “Best in North Carolina” for two consecutive years, several of the much-coveted ADDY Awards, International Davey Awards and the International Award of Excellence from the Web Marketing Association. The agency has also received numerous gold, silver and bronze awards by the Business Marketing Association of the Carolinas. In addition, Lyerly Agency was also honored with the title of “Best Places to Work” by the Charlotte Business Journal and earned its fourteenth consecutive “Family-Friendly Award” by Carolina Parent magazine.
Whether it’s serving in a leadership role to guide organizations or contributing as a volunteer on a committee, Elaine has actively given her time and talents to a variety of non-profit organizations on a local, national and international level by participating, innovating, creating or donating for the betterment of others. She has travelled in underserved countries including Kenya, South Africa and Haiti to understand and review the humanitarian work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Additionally, Elaine has served as American Red Cross’ National Vice Chair of Board of Governors, Chair and Past National Chair of Tiffany Circle and was a Council Member for the Red Cross International Movement Committee.
Elaine has received many accolades and awards for her volunteer service. Specifically, the American Red Cross’ Harriman Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service, was named by U.S. Airways Magazine as one Charlotte’s 20 Dynamic Women and was the Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year by Association of Fundraising Professionals.