Amersfoort – 4 March – Erika Harriford-McLaren joins Blueyse as its first Chief Operating Officer (COO), following her work as Manager and Team Lead Corporate Communications and PR at Erasmus University. A boutique global marketing agency, Blueyse partners with companies to help them drive real societal change—from transforming company cultures to fostering inclusive and supportive workplace cultures. As COO, Harriford-McLaren will focus on people and operations, project management, finance, and business development, helping to shape Blueyse’s next phase with purpose and intention. Her leadership will play a key role in enhancing team collaboration and optimizing client relationships, providing both the Blueyse team and its clients with a seamless and meaningful experience.
With a background in corporate communications, brand strategy, and team leadership across marketing, education, and professional development, Harriford-McLaren is passionate about building connections and using storytelling to create real impact. As COO, she will focus on developing and strengthening the Blueyse team while expanding the agency’s portfolio of socially conscious clients.
Her expertise in business strategy, operations, and relationship-building will support Blueyse’s continued commitment to helping organizations create marketing that is both inclusive and impactful. She holds a law degree from the University of San Francisco and a bachelor’s degree in business communications from the University of Kansas, bringing a unique blend of strategy and creativity to the team.
“Joining Blueyse as COO is more than just a career move for me—it’s a purpose-driven decision,” notes Harriford-McLaren. “After years of working across industries—from education and market research to corporate communications and law—I’ve seen firsthand how organizations talk about change versus how they actually implement it. I believe that inclusivity and understanding are more than just buzzwords; they are the foundation of a more connected society and, through that, stronger businesses. At a time when the world feels more divided than ever, I want to be at the forefront of creating real connections and lasting change by helping brands build cultures of understanding and take action that truly makes a difference.
I hope to use my experience in strategic leadership and communications to drive real, lasting impact. Blueyse isn’t just another agency; it’s a force for change, and I’m excited to help strengthen the company while expanding its work with socially conscious brands. For me, it’s about building bridges of understanding and using the power of storytelling to help businesses succeed and lead with purpose.”
“After pioneering the last few years, I am proud and excited to welcome Erika as Blueyse’s first COO. I have come to know Erika as a bold, kind-hearted, and purpose-driven individual. She understands our mission, the urgency, and its significance, especially at this critical time. I’m grateful that she is taking this bold step and look forward to the great things we’ll achieve together.” – Julie Hemels-Hoff, Founder and CEO of Blueyse.
About Blueyse
They’re on a mission to realize societal change through community, facilitating experiences, and inclusive marketing and communications campaigns.
They collaborate with diversity, equity, and inclusion change-makers and innovators to create a more equitable society. They believe businesses have the power to lead transformative change. Companies can take bold steps to accelerate progress and shape an equitable future. The status quo is no longer an option—it’s time for a fresh, just approach to doing business. That’s the vision they work toward every day.