Tracy Doherty

“Success comes from showing up to the things you don’t have to show up to.”

Since moving to Richmond, Va., in 2009, Tracy Doherty has held a variety of roles. Leaving her Denver, Colo., home and career at a large advertising agency, Doherty began pursuing her degree at The Richmond MBA. “I wanted to dive back into academia after being in the work world for a while and get everything out of it I could,” she said. “I was immediately impressed when I met with MBA Director Richard Coughlan and toured the campus. I recognized the quality education available right here in Richmond and enrolled as a full-time student.”

In the spring of 2010, Doherty spent her final semester at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, which she recalls as the highlight of her MBA career. “I went in armed with everything that I learned at Richmond and was able to compare and contrast that knowledge with what I was taught in China. My experience paid off in ways I never knew it would,” she said. “I learned how businesses operate in a global marketplace and the differences that exist in the cultures, climates and attitudes of different places. This understanding has been invaluable working for a global company.”

After graduating three years ago, Doherty began her career at MeadWestvaco (MWV) working with the brand engagement team. “I had heard about MWV when I first came to Richmond. It had a fantastic reputation, and I have since experienced how much of a dynamic, collaborative and positive workplace it is,” she said.

From this role she transitioned to a senior director of strategic global design position. “It was a very challenging and special experience,” she said. “I was leading a team of thirty in our Richmond studio, from industrial and graphic designers to packaging engineers, developing new packages and updating existing packages for markets from food and makeup to home and healthcare.”

Just a few weeks ago, Doherty moved into her current position as senior director of strategic marketing, working with a newly formed group that unites consumer and market insights, competitive and market intelligence, global design and brand engagement to help drive MWV’s innovation and go to market strategies. “Receiving my MBA has really helped round out my understanding of how businesses work and the different roles that exist within an organization and how important each focus area is to make sure things get done,” Doherty said. “The fact that I now understand what other functions do and the unique value they bring really helps when I am working within and across teams to accomplish an objective.”

“During my career in advertising, I loved creating ideas related to brands and emotion, but the final product was intangible, like a TV commercial or print ad.  I always wanted to join a company that created something physical. The first time you see something sitting on a store shelf that you helped create, it’s a really great feeling,” she said. “MWV is at a very exciting and pivotal point in its history. I feel lucky to have the opportunity to work with smart, creative, positive people every day.”

When she’s not at MWV, Doherty is a mother, a member of the Historic Richmond Foundation’s advisory board and an active Church Hill resident and community member.