Laura Zorn is a Smith County native. Her family were original Rose Growers from the very start of the Rose Growing Industry in the area. Her great-aunt served as the first Duchess of the Rose Growers in the inaugural Texas Rose Festival in 1933. Laura started school in the Winona area of Tyler and eventually moved into the Tyler Independent School System, graduating from what was then known as Robert E. Lee High School. Laura continued her education, graduating from Tyler Junior College before transferring to Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas where she graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Real Estate and Marketing.  

After working post college in the title industry in Dallas, Laura eventually made her way back to the Rose City, where she has been active in the local business and civic community since.  Known far and wide for her love of people and their stories, Laura is a beloved figure in our community.  She pursued a career in Real Estate earning her brokers license. Next came a stint in politics, working in the District Office of United States Senator Phil Gramm.  Following her role there, Laura worked for The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler as Director of Auxillary Services, including the volunteers and Hospital Gift Shop.  Afterward, she worked nine years for the Texas Rose Festival and Tyler Rose Museum.  In 2006, she changed direction and began working for a local bank before being hired by Abegg Willis & Associates the predecessor company to Patrick Willis Strategic Consulting.  She has been a vital part of this organization since 2013.  

Laura is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Tyler, the Women’s Symphony League, and a member of the Women’s Fund of Smith County.  She previously has served the community as a member of the Board of Directors of the American Heart Association, Smith County Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Smith County Women’s Republican Club officer, and a member of The University of Texas at Tyler Patriot Golf Classic.  Laura is a former Tyler Junior College Apache Belle.   

One of Patrick’s favorite stories to tell about Laura (and there are many) was the one he told one night to Dan Rather.  He explained how Laura was a wonderful and very valuable asset to his company.  He is quoted as saying, “Mr. Rather, allow me to introduce my Executive Assistant Laura Zorn. She has been a vital part of the company for many years. In fact, you know what’s great about Laura, is not only does she know where all the bodies are buried in Smith County, she knows who put them there. Mr. Rather didn’t miss a beat, he turned to Laura and said, “Ms. Zorn, I am in the News business and we should know each other!” 

When Laura isn’t keeping Patrick in line, she can be found calligraphing Nametags for PWSC events, hand addressing invitations and other important correspondence and serving as a Client Liason, assisting with many aspects of our client’s needs.    

Laura is a life-long Methodist and is a member at Pollard United Methodist Church.