Laura Gravesen, MBA
Laura Gravesen, MBA is a mission-driven public health strategist with more than 16 years of experience advancing national health policy and strengthening public health systems. As Principal of Forward Health Infrastructure LLC, she provides senior-level advisory services in strategy, infrastructure development, policy design, and data modernization for state and local health departments and public-sector partners navigating complex change.
Throughout her career, Laura has led high-stakes legislative and budget strategy during historic federal public health investments, including managing Congressional relations and guiding policy alignment during emergency response funding totaling $17.5 billion. She has overseen the development of comprehensive Congressional Budget Justifications and secured landmark capital investments for advanced laboratory and research facilities, translating policy vision into lasting infrastructure.
A recognized leader in public health data modernization, Laura has shaped national approaches to surveillance, analytics, and technology systems. She partners with executive leaders to align data strategy with infrastructure investment, workforce planning, and governance design, ensuring systems are interoperable, sustainable, and equity-driven.
Laura brings a rare blend of policy acumen and design thinking. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and an MBA from Georgia Tech, where she currently serves as Chair Elect of Georgia Tech's College of Design advisory board. She is a recipient of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary’s Award for Distinguished Service and was named to Georgia Tech’s 2024 class of 40 Under 40.
Known for bringing clarity to complexity, Laura helps leaders move confidently from federal policy to operational execution, building resilient infrastructure that strengthens public health for the long term.
