Stanton Communications promoted Lori Russo to the position of president of the firm.  Formerly managing director, Russo joined Stanton Communications in 1999 at the entry-level position of account coordinator, progressively assuming increasing responsibility over her 16 year tenure with the firm.  Today, she leads the agency’s Washington, D.C., and Baltimore offices as MD Mid-Atlantic while continuing to serve clients and facilitate new business growth.  Russo is especially focused on marketing communications and expansion of the firm’s digital practice.

According to a release, Peter V. Stanton, who retains the title CEO, called Russo’s promotion emblematic of the firm’s vitality as it enters its second quarter century.  “We are concluding our 25^th anniversary year and I can think of no better way to step into the next 25 than with highly energized and youthful leadership.  Lori brings a fresh perspective and keen understanding of innovative practices in professional communications.  Of equal importance, she guides and motivates a team of exceptionally creative and talented professionals, every one of whom has the potential to follow in her footsteps.  Her example is an inspiration to anyone who wishes to build a career in our firm.”

The release also stated that in her new position, Russo will be responsible for directing and growing the agency’s work in support of clients in the technology, consumer products and professional services sectors while further developing the firm’s digital and creative services business.  Long recognized for her expertise in leveraging social platforms for marketing communications and business development, Russo has frequently been called upon to speak at industry forums including the Mid-Atlantic Marketing Summit, the PR News Social Media Summit and Ragan’s Breakthrough Strategies for Corporate Communicators Conference, sharing the dais with executives from LinkedIn and other leading corporations.

A member of the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., she serves on the Club’s Luncheon Speakers Committee.  She chaired the inaugurals for five presidents of the National Press Club and co-chaired the committee organizing the Club’s presentation of its Fourth Estate awards to acclaimed interviewer Charlie Rose and veteran journalist Andrea Mitchell. Russo also was included as one of PRWeek’s “40 Under 40” rising stars in the industry.