Laurel Whitcomb joined the Television Academy staff as its first Vice President of Marketing in February, 2003, with the immediate priority of conducting its first brand review and assessment. A decade later, she worked with the Academy's Brand and Media Management Committee to roll out an updated brand identity, positioning and strategy in tandem with the launch of the Academy's New Destination Campaign to reimagine its NoHo Arts District campus.

Whitcomb has comprehensive marketing and public relations oversight for the Academy, overseeing the work of the Academy's Public Relations firm, breakwhitelight, and the Academy's photo agency, Invision/AP, on a year-round slate of membership activities and events such as the Hall of Fame and Television Academy Honors. She works with the Academy's telecast partners on the advertising, promotion, and publicity for Primetime Emmy Awards, and throughout the year with the Television Academy Foundation staff to support its programs and keep communications and messaging consistent.

Whitcomb began her career in television with The Disney Channel, leaving several years later for ABC where she served as West Coast Manager for Program Publicity. She returned to the Walt Disney Company to hold a variety of top communications and marketing positions including Vice President of Publicity for Buena Vista Television and Vice President, Publicity and Synergy for the company's Television Animation division.