Lara Gates is the Chief of Staff at The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), where her passion for storytelling, journalism and people comes to life. Known for her attention to detail, commitment to deadlines, and exceptional relationship-building, Lara embodies the mission of NATAS. She thrives in her work supporting the Board of Directors, President & CEO and the national staff.
Lara joined the national office of NATAS in January of 2022 after serving for more than a decade as Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter. From 2010 to 2012, she was the Managing Editor of a North Phoenix weekly news and events magazine, overseeing a team of freelance writers and photographers to deliver hyper-local content on time and on budget. This role followed a successful 20-year career in television news and production.
Her storytelling journey spans news, business and labor. Lara began her career in Washington, D.C., working as an Editor, Project Manager and Producer. She spent five years covering business news during the dot-com boom, interviewing CEOs and industry leaders. She later joined the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in Upper Marlboro, MD, where she helped launch a labor news website and reported on labor issues across the country. In 2002, she relocated to Spokane, Washington, and joined the local newsroom at KXLY, working in morning and midday news and producing special projects.
Outside of work, Lara enjoys practicing yoga, cooking, swimming and spending time with her family—and their mischievous beagle, Huey.
You can reach her at lgates@emmyonline.tv.