Professionals

Each Stanton Communications account is served by subject matter experts in the client's issues or industry and supervised by a senior officer who is the primary client contact and counselor. Listed below are the individuals who comprise Stanton Communications’ senior management team.

Amy Calhoun is managing director responsible for the daily operation of the firm's office in Washington, DC. She has substantial experience in developing communications strategies and is expert at developing programs for corporate clients. Prior to joining Stanton Communications, Amy was public relations manager for a global e-commerce services provider where she directed a major corporate re-branding campaign and successfully managed the media program for the company's annual corporate e-commerce conference. Amy graduated from Rutgers University with a bachelor's degree in communications. She also studied in Germany as a Rotary Ambassadorial scholar at the Free University of Berlin. She is a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society and Phi Beta Kappa.

Catherine Imus is managing director, public affairs in Washington, DC. Her 25-year career includes positions in the media, in government, and in corporate and association public affairs. Catherine joined Stanton Communications in 2001 from a national trade association where she was executive director for a broad consumer education and industry awareness campaign. Previously, she directed communications for an association of manufacturers where she dealt with issues related to worker safety, public health and the environment. For eight years, she was vice president of an international public affairs agency. She also worked as a lobbyist for a major steel company. Catherine began her career as a news director and later news anchor for a leading radio station in Indiana. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Miami University with a degree in mass communications and political science.

Rick Leonard is managing director of the firm’s office in New York. He is a seasoned communications professional with more than 20 years of experience at top public relations agencies where he worked primarily with business to business, professional services, technology and corporate clients.  A highly regarded writer, strategist and client advocate, Rick has developed and managed comprehensive initiatives to introduce new products and services, manage complex issues, respond to unfolding crises, generate strategic visibility and build corporate reputations.  For his work on behalf of his clients, Rick has been awarded the highest recognition of his profession, the PRSA Silver Anvil.

Peter V. Stanton founded Stanton Communications in 1989 following nearly a decade as an officer of a global public relations firm. Peter's depth of experience has assured that, from the outset, his firm has had the capability and breadth to represent the giants of U.S. industry as well as entrepreneurial start-ups, non-profit organizations and institutions. Peter directed the firm's expansion into Baltimore and New York City. He secured its full participation in an international network of independent communications firms. He assembled a team of talented professionals who have served at the highest levels of industry leadership and have created programs recognized with the industry's highest awards. Peter is an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America and its distinguished Counselors Academy. He has served on the PRSA's continuing education faculty. He is widely published on the practice and principles of effective communications and serves as Vice-Chair of the Board of ECP Global, Ltd., a worldwide alliance of public relations consultancies.

Ray Weiss is executive vice president and managing director in Baltimore. He joined Stanton Communications as a partner in 1992 to establish and manage the firm's second office following extensive public relations experience in higher education and economic development. Ray creates communications programs for corporations and non-profit organizations that work primarily in the fields of education and technology. His 2002 program for the Greater Baltimore Technology Council won the PRSA Silver Anvil Award. He managed media relations for Pope John Paul II's 1995 visit to the United States and Chinese President Jiang Zemin's 1997 trip to Philadelphia. Ray graduated from Loyola College with a bachelor's degree in political science, and holds a certificate in economic development from the University of Maryland. Ray has been named to the Leadership Maryland Class of 2005.