Prior to joining Franco, Maria spent three years as a partner with her husband in their retail automotive and powersports businesses, where she managed the marketing communications component and developed the communications strategy for the sale of the businesses.

Previously she served as director of public relations for Volkswagen in North America, where she was responsible for developing the corporate and brand media strategies for Audi and Volkswagen. Maria was head of the crisis management team and directed all media and analyst events, including new-product launches in the United States and Canada. Notably, Maria developed the communications strategy for the world press introduction of Concept 1, which was later named the New Beetle, and was part of the team that led Volkswagen and Audi to their respective turn-around in the U.S. and Canadian markets.

For 15 years, prior to her involvement at Volkswagen, Maria was a journalist in the print media. She was a reporter, editor, editorial writer, and columnist for The Philadelphia Bulletin, the Sacramento Bee, Time Magazine and People Magazine.

She holds a bachelor of arts degree in English and Theatre Arts from Temple University and is the recipient of numerous journalism awards.

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