LOUISVILLE (June 30, 2021) — Strategic communications firm Fleur de Lis Communications (FDLC) will add Taylor Durden to its growing team as Content Strategist in July. Durden is currently an anchor and reporter at WAVE 3 News, Louisville’s NBC affiliate. Durden is probably most familiar to viewers from her continuous live reporting in downtown Louisville during the social justice protests of 2020, and her role on WAVE’s anchor desk each weekend. She was nominated for a 2019 Emmy award, and won an Edward R. Murrow award for a documentary she produced on the aftermath of the massive explosion in West, Texas in 2013. Durden joined WAVE 3 News in 2018, where she worked with Bill Shory, who now leads FDLC. Durden moved to WAVE 3 after four years at KXXV in Waco, TX “I couldn’t be more thrilled to work with Taylor again,” Shory said. “I’ve seen for myself how talented she is as a communicator, as well as the determination, leadership and collaboration she brings to the table every day. We’re excited to keep her in Louisville as she transitions to a new phase of her career.” In her new role, Durden will help FDLC clients expand their brand outreach by creating written and video content for websites, social media and other channels. She’ll also advise on public relations, media training, and other communications efforts. Durden will anchor her last newscasts for WAVE 3 News at 6 and 11pm on July 24th, and join FDLC the following Monday.
“Taylor’s skills bring a whole new set of possibilities to FDLC,” Shory said. “We’ll now be able to expand our creative offerings, and we hope to add even more of those kinds of capabilities in the near future.”
Durden’s arrival comes as FDLC Co-Founder Tara Leigh Goode is also transitioning into a new role with the company. Goode, former Global Communications Manager at Genscape, has accepted a position as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Climavision, a next-generation weather radar company recently launched in Louisville. However, she’ll remain an owner of FDLC and will continue to support the firm as a Strategic Partner.
Shory and Goode launched Fleur de Lis Communications (www.fdlcomms.com) in May of 2020 - in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic - offering high-touch, customized consulting in messaging and public relations. Specializing in organizations that have a positive social impact, the firm has rapidly grown its client list to include everything from global energy transition leader Wood Mackenzie, to impact-focused tech companies Interapt and Appriss, regional firms like Bristol Development Group, and nonprofits such as Ronald McDonald House. Other current and past clients include Kentucky Restaurant Association, Distijl, Three Boys Distillery, Global Game Changers, Rockerbuilt, FifteenTwelve, and the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence.
FDLC is also highly invested in the regional community. Its principals founded the nonprofits Imagination Library of Louisville and Project Ace, and serve as mentors to fast-growing entrepreneurs through Endeavor.
Durden, whose volunteer work has focused on food insecurity and youth issues, said the focus on social impact makes FDLC a perfect fit.
“Bill and Tara have built a group of clients that’s easy to be passionate about,” Durden said. “I can’t wait to work alongside them and the amazing organizations they represent.”