Staff Spotlight: Lisa Boyd
With years of experience advising boards and executive teams on high-stakes issues, Lisa brings deep expertise in strategic communications, reputation management, corporate governance, corporate social responsibility, and crisis response. She has worked across industries and sectors, tailoring strategies to diverse business models, stakeholder landscapes, and regulatory environments. At Rapp Strategies, she helps clients navigate complexity and drive meaningful impact by creating communication strategies that deliver measurable results and foster trust among stakeholders.
Prior to joining Rapp Strategies, Lisa co-led the Governance & Corporate Stewardship Practice at Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher, a New York-based strategic communications firm specializing in reputation management, shareholder activism defense, investor relations, strategic corporate transactions, and crisis planning and response. She also held progressive leadership roles at Target Corporation across communications, marketing, community relations, reputation and risk management. Lisa received her B.A. in Communications from the University of Minnesota.
Please give a short summary of your background and your areas of focus at Rapp Strategies. How do your skills help you serve clients?
I have deep experience advising executive teams and boards on high-stakes issues, with focus areas in strategic communications, reputation management, corporate responsibility, issues management, and crisis response. As Senior Director at Rapp Strategies, I help clients navigate complexity and deliver measurable outcomes by aligning communications strategy to business objectives and stakeholder goals.
How have you grown as a professional since you started working at Rapp Strategies?
I’m energized by the opportunity to work alongside a team of seasoned communicators and reputation strategists. Having advised boards and executive teams across industries and sectors, I look forward to contributing my experience—especially as we help clients navigate complex stakeholder landscapes and deliver results.
What is your favorite aspect of your job?
Helping leaders make confident decisions in complex environments—and translating strategy into clear, compelling narratives that earn stakeholder trust.
What is one habit that makes you more successful?
I’m driven by a commitment to help clients achieve their goals. I stay focused on understanding their priorities, anticipating challenges, and delivering solutions that create meaningful impact. This client-centered approach keeps me motivated and ensures my work is always aligned with their success.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I never really knew. As a kid, I was constantly immersed in books, each one opening a new world. That early pull toward curiosity and storytelling was a telltale sign. I also loved playing softball and will always wonder what could’ve been!
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
Building lasting, trust-based relationships with the people in my life, both personally and professionally. The impact of those connections—helping people succeed, grow, and navigate challenges together—is incredibly important to me.
What is one thing about you few people know?
I thrive on adrenaline and tough challenges, especially those that test both mind and body. But before I dive in, I meticulously plan for every possible scenario. When I hiked the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim in a single day, my first aid kit was so over-prepared it could have supported a small expedition.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Stand up for people and stay grounded in your values—even when it’s difficult or unpopular.
What is one piece of wisdom you would give your younger self?
Avoid making important decisions when you’re upset, overly stressed or fearful. A walk in nature, a good night’s sleep, and the passage of time can bring clarity and perspective—often turning uncertainty into insight.
