Maria Prato is a strategic communications and crisis advisor with a background spanning journalism, government, and high-stakes public sector leadership. She brings a steady hand, sharp judgment, and the ability to translate complexity into messaging that resonates with real people.

Maria began her career as an award-winning print and digital journalist, reporting across Oklahoma and Central New Jersey. She later moved into public service, leading communications at the municipal, county, and state levels, including serving as Public Information Officer for New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission and as Director of Communications for the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security, where she oversaw messaging for one of the region's primary agencies responsible for counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and cybersecurity.

She most recently served as Public Relations Manager for LifeMoves, one of Silicon Valley's largest nonprofit providers of interim housing and supportive services, where she led strategic communications, media relations, and public messaging in support of housing stability and homelessness response.

Maria is a U.S. Air Force veteran. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Oklahoma, where she graduated cum laude.

Services include:

• • Earned media strategy and execution.

  • Public affairs & government relations strategy.

  • Fundraising event messaging. 

  • Executive supporter outreach. 

  • Board ambassador training

  • Campaign narratives.

  • Executive communications and media training. 

  • Crisis communications and change management.