Maria T. Moeller

Maria brings nearly 35 years of experience in marketing, engagement, and communications to The Improve Group. She consults with clients on communications strategies and implementation, with an eye toward simplicity and effectiveness. She uses the “form follows function” frame, focusing on the content, purpose, and audience before determining the format that will best communicate the messages. Additionally, Maria keeps a close eye on the evaluation market and monitors how The Improve Group fits into it. She notices trends and strategizes for responding to emerging needs and innovations through the work we pursue.

Maria found her way into the world of operations and administration through her love and knack for organizing. She has a talent for distilling complex information into an orderly system, keeping both the big picture and the many details in mind. Maria combines her organizational skills with her ability to create simple and impactful communications, especially about topics that can be intimidating yet are important for people to understand (such as IG’s budget). She supports The Improve Group Cooperative and its members with streamlined processes, generous feedback loops, and effective project management skills. 

The Improve Group | St. Paul, MN | Management Team - Operations + Marketing | 2023-present | Responsible for the organization’s operations and marketing efforts, including facilitating staff input on decisions. 

 

The Improve Group | St. Paul, MN | Chief Marketing Officer | 2015-present | Helped tell the story of the organization and relate its value to the many clients it serves and other stakeholders. 

 

Child Care Aware of Minnesota | St. Paul, MN | Director of Communications & Engagement | 2013 - 2015 | Developed strategy and coordination of communications efforts for statewide system of local agencies in order to expand the quantity and enhance the quality of child care in Minnesota.

 

SICK, Inc. | Shakopee, MN | Marketing Communications Director | 2003 - 2011 | Directed all marketing communications efforts for the North American subsidiary of this $1billion German manufacturer of sensing technology in order to meet sales goals, including expansion into new markets, such as autonomous vehicles.

 

LaBreche Murray Public Relations | Minneapolis, MN | Account Manager / Public Affairs Practice Group Lead | 2000 - 2003 | Launched Public Affairs practice and attained public-sector clients and public affairs projects from private sector organizations, including the launch of the North Star Commuter Bus and 511.org.

 

Honeywell Home & Building Control | Golden Valley, MN | Communications Account Manager | 2000 | Directed all communications initiatives for the HVAC and Cooling & Refrigeration business units. Responsible for the trade show and field sales communications processes across a $1.67 billion division within Honeywell Home & Building Control Division

 

Minnesota Project Innovation | Minneapolis, MN | Communications Director | 1997 - 2000 | Directed all communications initiatives and supported government relations efforts at this nonprofit, economic development organization serving high-tech, start-up and small businesses, and federal, state and local government contractors.

 

Popham, Haik, Schnobrich & Kaufman, Ltd. | Minneapolis, MN | Receptionist to Associate Marketing Director | 1991 - 1997 | Supported all marketing efforts of this 250-attorney international law firm, including developing a brand and marketing materials for a collaboration for development of Chinese environmental laws and regulations.

University of Minnesota, Humphrey School of Public Affairs | Master of Public Affairs with concentration in Program Evaluation and Community Engagement

 

Wheaton College | Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Political Science