Maurisa Potts

Maurisa Turner Potts is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Spotted MP, an award-winning strategic communications, public relations, and marketing agency she launched in 2008 during the height of the economic recession. Over the past 18 years, she has grown the women- and minority-owned boutique firm into a nationally recognized agency serving clients across hospitality, tourism, economic development, placemaking, arts and culture, higher education, sports, retail, and nonprofit sectors.

With more than 25 years of experience in communications, marketing, events, and stakeholder engagement, Potts is known for helping organizations build visibility, strengthen reputations, and create meaningful community impact. Her work has supported some of the region's most recognized destinations, brands, and institutions. Through Spotted MP, she has represented a diverse portfolio of organizations including The Watergate Hotel, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Tysons Corner Center, Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center, One Loudoun, Hilton Arlington Rosslyn The Key, Armed Forces Cycling Classic, Montpelier Foundation, Ballston BID, and numerous hospitality, tourism, destination, and community development organizations throughout the Mid-Atlantic region as well was New York and LA.

Potts has received numerous professional honors, including being named to The PR Net 100, recognized as one of Virginia Business Magazine's Virginia Black Business Leaders, and selected as one of The PR Net's MarComms Most Influential Professionals. She is also a past recipient of the Virginia Tech Influential Black Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year Award, VIP Alexandria's Most Inspiring Women Award, and the Spectrum Circle Small Business of the Year Award.

A first-generation college graduate and the first woman in her family to earn a college degree, Potts is deeply committed to mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement. She serves on the Virginia Tech Pamplin College of Business Marketing Advisory Board and was recently elected to the Virginia Tech Alumni Association Board of Directors. In 2026, she was invited to participate in SIGNAL Sessions during Cannes Lions, joining communications and brand leaders from around the world to discuss the future of influence, storytelling, reputation, and leadership.

Potts resides in Alexandria, Virginia, with her family and remains passionate about helping organizations tell stories that matter while creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders.