A dynamic executive leader and strategist
For nearly 25 years Dara Royer has led impactful, award-winning brand transformation efforts in the higher education, healthcare, and international relief sectors. Throughout her career as an executive at Syracuse University, Mercy Corps, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Cook Children’s Healthcare System, Royer has consistently built high-performing teams and driven them to exceptional success.
Royer has made a name for herself as an organizational strategist who reimagines marketing, communications, and fundraising functions, taking them from diffuse and tactical to integrated and strategic, fueling remarkable growth in digital engagement, cause marketing, and overall brand experience. With more than 15 years of C-suite experience, Royer has been at the forefront of two brand efforts that elevated organizations to #1 in their categories per Harris EquiTrend brand survey data.
A visionary leader with an innate ability to operationalize
Royer excels in newly created roles, driving change across complex global organizations. From boosting unrestricted giving by 30% to securing over 4,000 positive news stories annually, she is mission-driven and metrics-focused. With an entrepreneurial mindset, Royer has cultivated cause-marketing and philanthropic ties with major corporations like REI, Target, and Google, steering multimillion-dollar campaigns and celebrity events.
Royer has received countless industry awards and accolades, including national honors in creative, branding, public relations, and marketing. She is a sought-after motivational speaker and active volunteer, co-founding and co-leading Syracuse University’s Women in Leadership Cohort Experience.
From TV journalist to passionate mission-driven leader
Starting her career as an Emmy and AP award-winning television journalist, Royer holds a Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University with a Certification of Advanced Study in International and INGO Leadership. Her studies have focused on public policy, and global issues connected to women and health, health inequity, and infant mortality. A lifelong learner, she also completed Leadership Certificates from Harvard Business School and Cornell University after earning a BA in History from Indiana University.
Royer is passionate about women in leadership and, specifically, how women can be empowered to contribute fully within their organizations. She is skilled in professional development, helping women find their voice as leaders, and building supportive communities of female executives.