Don Stanziano has learned much from his travels throughout the United States. “I don’t generalize or buy into popular stereotypes and perceptions,” he says. He finds wonderful people and interesting places everywhere.

Stanziano, 38, grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. A journalism degree from Bowling Green State University prepared him for a series of jobs that led to his founding in 2001 of Stanzia Communications, a full service public relations company.

He was a reporter in Ohio and after moving here was city editor for the Times Advocate and a reporter for the North County Times before moving into public relations with a health emphasis.

He has held positions as corporate public relations manager for Scripps Health and media relations specialist for Sharp Health Care. He is now in his second year as co-president of Health Care Communicators of San Diego, an affiliate of the American Hospital Association’s Society for Health Care Strategy and Development.

Before opening his own business, Stanziano was communications director and press secretary to Rep. Bob Filner.

Now, he says, “I’m a one-man show. I work out of my home or a client’s office.” His goal is to grow into an office and a full service agency.

Stanziano is on the board of the San Diego and Desert Area Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and chair of the chapter’s communications committee. He also is a member of the Public Relations Society of America. In addition, he is an adviser and mentor for students in Montgomery High School’s Media Institute magnet program for those interested in media careers.

When he is not working, this 38-year-old enjoys the outdoors, especially hiking in Borrego or Mission Trails Regional park.

— Sandy Pasqua