Maria Chaverri

is a communications professional with deep experience in public affairs, crisis communications and executive messaging across state and local government. Her work focuses on helping leaders communicate clearly, credibly and strategically — especially during periods of change, scrutiny or risk.

In her current role at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, she leads public affairs and media relations during a period of intense public attention, including legislative hearings, leadership transitions, budget challenges and implementation of a consent decree. She advises executive leadership, manages high-risk media engagement and oversees internal communications that support transparency and organizational stability.

Previously, she led citywide recruitment and internal public information and branding efforts for the City of Oklahoma City, supporting a workforce of more than 5,000 employees. Her work included recruitment and retention campaigns, employee engagement initiatives, executive communications and the launch of large-scale learning and development programs. These efforts contributed to measurable improvements in vacancy rates, employee satisfaction and employer recognition.

She also served in emergency management communications during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading bilingual crisis messaging and public outreach efforts in collaboration with state and federal partners.

In addition to her communications leadership background, Chaverri brings international experience, multilingual fluency and a strong foundation in design and storytelling. She hold a master’s degree in the business of art and design from the Maryland Institute College of Art and has worked extensively across creative, operational and executive teams.