Dr.  Hillstock is the Founder & CEO of Hillstock Consulting, a firm specializing in strategic planning, talent management, and learning design. With over 20 years of experience across higher education, healthcare, non-profits, and business sectors, Laurie is a proven leader in workforce development, organizational growth, and digital learning innovation. Her expertise includes leadership development, strategic planning, virtual community building, instructional design, and e-learning ecosystems.

Laurie’s impact spans both institutional and community leadership. She has served as Chair of the Upstate Workforce Utilities Council and as Immediate Past Chair of the Board of Directors for the Better Business Bureau of the Upstate, where she previously held roles as Chair and Vice Chair. Her strategic planning work supports executive teams, community-based initiatives, and mission-driven organizations seeking clarity, alignment, and measurable results.

 

Laurie spent over 15 years in higher education as a faculty member and administrator, leading curriculum design and online program development. She has also contributed to nationally recognized professional development programs in online learning, including leadership development series, instructional design intensives, and advanced teaching certifications.

 

In the healthcare sector, Laurie led the implementation of online learning best practices and managed the production of over 50,000 curriculum assets for one of South Carolina’s largest healthcare systems. Her work helped streamline training delivery and support clinical and administrative teams at scale.

 

Laurie holds an earned Ph.D. in Educational Leadership (Higher Education) and an M.A. in Human Resource Development from Clemson University, as well as a B.A. in English from Converse College (now Converse University). She is currently pursuing an MBA from Lander University, with a micro-credential in Business Analytics, further strengthening her ability to lead data-informed strategy, and drive operational excellence. She is known for her fresh thinking, intentional strategies, and commitment to delivering inclusive, mission-aligned results that empower organizations and communities alike.