Maria Rodgers
By Joshua Burd
Design firm Ware Malcomb has elevated Maria Rodgers to director of public relations and communications, marking her second promotion since the start of last year.
Rodgers, who joined the firm in 2014, has been responsible for its public relations program since 2018 and has been based in its Newark office since 2020, when she moved from the practice’s headquarters in Irvine, California, according to a news release. She was promoted last year to public relations and communications manager, helping to secure a record number of media mentions for the business.
In her new role, Rodgers will focus on further expanding Ware Malcomb’s media and communications programs and gaining exposure for its growing number of locations.
“Maria is an invaluable leader on the marketing team,” said Maureen Bissonnette, Ware Malcomb’s principal for marketing. “Her drive, collaboration and commitment to the success of our team and firm have helped us attain new levels in our industry. We are appreciative of her dedication and congratulate her on this promotion.”
The firm said that, throughout her career, Rodgers has managed significant communications initiatives its team, including public relations strategy, thought leadership, media relations, social media, digital marketing and design awards and rankings. In addition to her public relations leadership, she is a member of Ware Malcomb’s diversity, equity and inclusion communications committee, while she also collaborates with the strategic initiatives and human resources teams on internal and executive communications, as well as leadership onboarding.
Rodgers earned her MBA from California State University, San Marcos, and is an active member of the New Jersey chapter of Public Relations Society of America.
