I've also managed the Washington, D.C. office of a major public relations firm, and, most recently, ran my own consulting business providing strategic counsel to groups like United Cerebral Palsy Associations, and the United States Association for the United Nations High Commission of Refugees. Whether it's public relations, community relations, or development, it is all about determining where people are attitudinally and behaviorally and communicating with them in a manner that helps them become aware of, understand and support an organization's position. Between mergers and acquisitions, downsizing and emphasis on quarterly results, business pressures caused many firms to de-emphasize this vital business function. For a number of years, I kept my eye open for opportunities with a firm or corporation that took community relations seriously and put serious resources into it. I was also looking for a position where community relations was part of senior management and an integral part of the firm's overall strategic position and brand awareness.
Some companies only support issues and causes that their clients support.
Others take the passive tack of running a traditional United Way campaign. And still others focus only on high visibility partnerships with well-known charities. But everything we do here emerges from the interests and involvement of our employees and partners. Not only do we support the activities and interests of our people, but we also bring the firm's considerable intellectual expertise to bear on major pro bono engagements. We have impact with our employees, impact in the communities where we do business, and we help the firm position itself as an exemplary corporate citizen.