With 35 years experience in public relations and journalism, Maria Leonhauser leads Franco Public Relations Group in its mission and vision. She provides strategic planning, crisis management and community outreach for Franco’s clients. She also is the coach of the Franco team.

Formerly communications director for Volkswagen and Audi in North America, Leonhauser developed brand strategies and led her team in developing the communications plan for the world introduction of Concept 1 (the New Beetle).

She also served as a reporter, correspondent, columnist and editorial writer for The Bulletin in Philadelphia, the Sacramento Bee and People and Time magazines.

Named one of Detroit’s 100 Most Influential Women in 2002 by Crain’s Detroit Business, Leonhauser is a member of the Board of Trustees of the College for Creative Studies and the Board of Directors of Inforum – a professional women’s alliance. She serves on numerous committees including University of Michigan – Dearborn Citizens Advisory Committee and the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign. She is the recipient of civic and professional awards. Leonhauser has published articles on public relations.

Leonhauser holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Temple University. She also studied theatre arts at Schiller University in London, England.