Our Blog: where do you stand?

How I Started Standing: Maria Palumbo Tonge

By: Maria Palumbo Tonge | 09/29/2011

I discovered Standing at just the right time in my career.

With 11 years at two Fortune 500 companies, I had spent my corporate days building relationships, creating change and reducing risk through strategic communications. I looked for ways for others to benefit from my efforts, from helping colleagues to market products effectively to directing volunteers on neighborhood improvement projects.

I loved developing community partnerships, including leading one that was awarded a 2008 Silver Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of America.  

As my experience grew, so did my interest in how I could use my skills to create greater benefit. I saw a clear pattern that organizations of all sizes had Fortune-500-caliber needs for communications solutions.  I started to explore opportunities as I wondered: What was the best move I could make?

At the same time I was preparing to get married. My decision criteria included that the next step on my career path would be a good match for my home life.

My match surfaced when I started meeting people at Standing Partnership. Joining an extraordinary firm of stellar communicators and astute counselors sounded exciting. I found the leadership team’s vision for the future compelling and saw ways that I could contribute to it. I liked prioritizing resources quickly within a company to serve multiple lines of business; learning to do so across organizations and industries sounded intriguing.

Since I joined Standing in January, adapting to agency life has been fun and challenging. The opportunities to use my talents and build new skills continue to go well beyond my expectations. Most important, I get to work with colleagues who inspire me with their creativity, insight and generosity. 

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