Hi There! I’m Maria Papakonstantinou

Bio
My Story
Since Maria Papakonstantinou moved to NYC eight years ago, her journey has been nothing short of astonishing. She’s loved the journey and has been fortunate enough to meet so many inspiring individuals along the way.
Before moving to DC, Maria worked in New York City as a seasoned television producer, booking for Fox News and NBC Universal. As a booking producer, her role was to pitch unique and interesting stories, capturing people at the center of major news stories, high-profile guests and celebrities, and conducting research to compile well-rounded pre-interviews, and managing daily deadline turnarounds of a live show. She also worked on Season 8 of the Dr. OZ Show as production staff to assist executive producers' execution during pre- and post-production for studio tapings. TV is a specialty of Maria’s. She combines her unique understanding of behind-the-scenes television producing with her unparalleled list of contacts and deep baked-in understanding of operations for media relations. In her previous role as Communications Director for the U.S. House of Representatives, she expanded policy issue management scoping out to all mediums of communication platforms for her member. She also executed strategic communications and reputational management encompassing both offices: Washington and the Congressman’s home district. Maria is now Director of Public Affairs at PLUS Communications, in command to strategically coordinate a sound plan of action for her corporate and political client’s objectives and goals.
Highlights of her booking expertise include Congressional/Senatorial National TV coverage, diverse and energetic political panels on Neil Cavuto’s three different shows across both Fox News and Fox Business Network, and celebrities such as Dr. OZ and Guy Fieri.
Maria is a graduate of Pace University, where she graduated in three years in order to join the workforce early. She is also receiving her Master’s in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from New York University and will graduate December 2021.
Maria spends time urging the importance of personal branding and counseling towards students, both undergraduate and graduates, at Pace University and New York University. She participates monthly in Pace Alumni Mentorship program as she is a guide for students to ask questions, seek advice and assist with their goals through influencing the student's mentality for future success.
Maria currently lives in Washington, D.C. with her pup @Kingoftheclouds0708. In her free time, Maria enjoys ballroom dancing, vetting out local fresh markets, and hiking with Zeus. Fun fact: she graduated culinary school from the Institute of Culinary Education in NYC during the pandemic!
Experience
Work History
Director of Public Affairs
PLUS Communications
November 2021 - Present
In command of strategic communications and communication plan to achieve client’s objectives, and goals
Delegate, mentor, lead and inspire the department of public affairs
Implement critical thinking, develop a sound plan of action and present proposals and propositions to potential clients
Communications Director
United States House of Representatives
July 2021 - November 2021
Prepare and manage all communications material
Develop brand voice and manage across all platforms
Manage media relations, crisis communication, issue management and reputation management
Associate Producer
Fox News Channel
May 2018 - July 2021
Develop, cultivate, establish and maintain guest working relationships
Working contacts for long term and short terms bookings
Cross book amongst Fox Business Network and Fox News Channel
Coordinate, commission and confirm logistics, topic discussion, scheduling, and perspective
Editorial Show Booker
NBC Universal LLC
August 2017 - May 2018
Book guests to share their story and appear on the show
Conduct pre-interviews, assess analytics, and create story dynamics
Involvement on all show day procedures
Pitched, researched, evaluated and negotiated storytelling through visual representation
Cannes Film Festival Intern
American Pavilion
May 2017
Obtained exceptional customer services and support amongst international staff
Prepare for meeting and events requested by staff
Provided service excellence through courteous, informed, accessible and professional engagement
Production Intern
ABC Studio - The Dr. Oz Show
Season 8
August 2016 - May 2017
Assist with production on shoot days and provide support to the team during rehearsals, runs and going live
Distribute schedules, rundowns, prepare dressing rooms and relay messages between crew members production runs
Log and transcribe footage for post-production team, and execute field shoots
Education
My Studies
MS New York University
Class of 2021
Public Relations & Corporate Communications
BBA Pace University
Class of 2017
Arts & Entertainment Management,
Minor in Law
School of Culinary Arts
Class of 2021
Institute of Culinary Education
My Skills
"Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What's a sundial in the shade?"