Martha Reiss Metro Interview

Martha Reiss
Title: Senior Vice President, Field Marketing
Company: Keybank, Corporate and Investment Banking Division
Education: B.A. Fordham University

Martha began her career in sports marketing - working with a Winter Olympic Authority of the United States Olympic Committee - where she handled advertising programs, corporate sponsorships and promotional events. She followed this devotion to winter sports with several years in retail marketing, working with the largest mall developer in the Northeast and as director of Marketing and Sales for several super-regional shopping centers throughout New York.

In addition to roles supporting development and leasing, the highlight of her work was the Grand Opening of the second largest mall in the country in 1997. In 1998 she joined KeyCorp in Burlington, Vermont as a Vice President and Regional Marketing Director for New England. In 2002 she moved to the Boston office, where she was promoted to Senior Vice President and assumed national marketing responsibilities for the corporate and investment bank.

MR: I enjoy supporting our clients and employees in markets like Dallas, San Francisco and NYC. When I spend time in these cities I always appreciate the diverse perspective and culture. I get to meet so many great people, and take pride in being from Boston. I often discover their own interesting ties to our city. I love coming home the most though. It’s always with a sense of good fortune for all that we have to be proud of (Go Sox and Pats!), and all we can enjoy, in this very cool New England region.

MR: Walking to work every day across the Common and the Garden, and then by the State House. Takes me 20 minutes, 25 in heels. Even in 10 below or 95 degrees, I find it therapeutic in a way. It’s always interesting to take in the mix of tourists, business people, and the less fortunate, while observing the passionate demonstrations, ceremonies, or even just the city workers busily preparing for a big event.

PG: If you could have any job in Boston, other than your own, what would it be and why?

MR: I've always wondered if I should have taken a path in education - both teaching and administration. Having a "Little Sister" (from the Big Sister program) in the Boston public schools has really opened my eyes to the challenges and struggles that our inner city educators are facing, and the opportunities to make a positive difference with lasting impact on our future.

MR: Enjoying career, family, and rewarding volunteer work, here in the Boston business and neighborhood communities.

MR: Always strive to exceed expectations. Also, always, always, return a phone call. Even if it's a salesman that you may think you might never have any use for, take just a minute for a quick professional courtesy and it will serve you well.

MR: Vintage Lounge. Very comfy furniture, pomegranate martinis, and mini kobe beef burgers to die for.

MR: Vicki Donlan - publisher of Women's Business, which she built from the ground up with a strong passion for helping other women succeed. She recently sold the enterprise to the Boston Herald, remaining at the helm - a very impressive and courageous move that enabled her to focus resources on other endeavors. For instance, she is releasing her first book this fall entitled Her Turn - Why It's time for Women to Lead in America. I also admire her impeccable business etiquette, networking skills and professionalism – not to mention her always fun and friendly personality.

PG: How can young professionals expand their networks and increase their impact in Boston?

MR: Try to find the best events to attend that can broaden your mind and your contacts. If you can support a good charity in the process, all the better. There are listings galore in so many different publications and on-line, that you will ultimately need to prioritize the ones that most closely align with your interests.

MR: Right now, What to Expect When You're Expecting and The Girlfriend’s Guide to Pregnancy. But, usually it's just the pile of industry newsletters and white papers to catch up on, books by speakers I'm considering hiring for client events, and my monthly Book Club novel I'm desperately trying to finish in time.

MR: My work is very important, but my family is my world. I have 8 siblings and 23 nieces and nephews. We share a "family compound" of sorts up in Lake Placid, New York, where we operate summer leadership camps for about 200 under privileged inner city kids who demonstrate both academic and community commitment. It's a program my grandfather began in the 50's and we have worked to expand over the years, primarily in collaboration with Nativity School programs.

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For more information on the Boston’s Future Leaders Program, please contact Jody Kieval, director of member services.