Maria Poveromo has had an illustrious career spanning more than four decades. She is known for her outstanding leadership in the technology sector and her unwavering dedication to social justice causes. As the Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at Cisco, she employs a unique blend of global storytelling and integrated communications to bolster the company's brand and reputation, cementing her status as an executive visionary.
Poveromo’s journey began at Equal Rights Advocates, a San Francisco-based organization dedicated to advancing gender equality and social justice. This formative experience instilled in her a passion for advocacy and cross-cultural collaboration, which she later applied to her roles at influential technological firms and nonprofits both in the United States and abroad.
Poveromo’s tenure at Adobe, where she spent 18 years, stands as a testament to her transformative leadership. As Vice President of Communications, she orchestrated comprehensive campaigns encompassing public relations, analyst relations, social media, and crisis communications. Her instrumental role in steering Adobe through a shift to cloud-based solutions and overseeing a tenfold increase in personnel underscored her ability to drive growth and innovation.
Prior to Adobe, she held key positions at IBM and Salesforce, each further solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in the technology sector. Her stint at Salesforce as President of Customer Success saw her spearhead global customer onboarding, adoption, and growth initiatives, showcasing her proficiency in customer-centric strategies.
Beyond her corporate achievements, she is a beacon of advocacy for gender equality and social justice. She has a significant impact outside of the boardroom, according to PRNews and FastCompany, which have named her a Top Woman in PR and one of the 25 Smartest Women on Twitter, respectively. She has mentored countless women, earning accolades from the YWCA for her dedication to empowering others.
Poveromo’s commitment to community service is equally remarkable. She serves on several boards, including the U.S. President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee, McKesson, Cue Health, and the Silicon Valley Education Foundation. Her involvement in these organizations exemplifies her dedication to giving back and making a positive impact on society.
Her educational background in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Puerto Rico and Ohio State University provided her with a solid foundation for her groundbreaking career. Her expertise in corporate and product communications strategies, influencer relations, and data-driven marketing has been instrumental in shaping the success of the companies she's been a part of.
In the words of Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins, “In addition to her communications expertise, Maria also represents the very best of Cisco culture with her passion for community and giving back.”
Her legacy extends far beyond the realm of technology; she is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring leaders and a tireless advocate for a more inclusive and equitable world.