Richard Garcia
Whittier,California
Summary
Communications professional with strong track record in strategic messaging, media relations, and crisis management. Known for effective team collaboration and driving impactful results in dynamic environments. Skilled in content development, public speaking, and stakeholder engagement, with proactive and adaptable approach to evolving challenges.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Communications
California State Assembly
01.2020 - 12.2024
- Media Relations: Crafted press releases, organize press conferences, authored opinion editorials, pitched story ideas to print, television, web and radio outlets, updated assigned websites.
- Public Relations: Organized public events and forums related to healthcare, child safety, senior issues, employment and other hot button issues; speak on behalf of the State and Members at public events; draft correspondence on behalf of Members to constituent groups, stakeholders and other elected officials; draft speaking points and speeches, draft newsletters and other ancillary products.
- Government Relations: Provided consultation on legislative and policy matters; research and analyze new, existing and proposed legislation, provide support throughout the legislative process and integrate legislative policy goals with public relations and media campaigns.
- Improved social media presence with tailored content strategies for each platform, resulting in higher audience engagement.
Partner
Portillo-Sinclair (formerly the Qualia Group)
01.2017 - 12.2019
- Develop/maintain relationships with various regional, statewide and national industry reporters, editors
- Serve as client spokesperson on products/services, program, policy, regulatory and election matters
- Provide legislative analysis and opinion; craft messaging (internal/external)
- Develop comprehensive media and government affairs plans of action to affirm organizational positions and achieve goals related to mission and vision statements
- Interact with elected officials and staffers to build bonds to achieve policy goals of organization
- Organize public events including marches, rallies, and press conferences
Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications
Long Beach City College
01.2014 - 12.2016
- Responsible for the development and implementation of media outreach (earned and paid), social media platform content (copy, videos, vlogs) and analytic data tracking in addition to brand growth designing and launching marketing plans to reach student recruitment goals, branding ID goals and boost overall recognition of the college and its various programs, services academic and philanthropic achievements
- Created targeted marketing and media outreach plans to boost enrollment in the Small Business Development Center’s training programs operated by the college (selected by the SBA to lead all southern California SBDC’s) while pitching stories to ensure LBCC’s role as a business community leader was promoted in the press
- Was lead in recruitment outreach for the 10,000 Small Businesses program hosted by the college through a grant from Goldman Sachs
Assistant Director Public Affairs/Government Relations
Vons, Inc. - A Safeway Company
01.2011 - 12.2013
- Responsible for design and implementation of Southern California division government relations and public affairs strategies including, but not limited to, public policy initiatives, health education, industry recognition on best practices, and strengthening relationships with elected officials, the general public and media outlets
- Responsible for management of fundraising campaigns on behalf of target/partner nonprofit groups and campaign kickoff events; employee newsletter including content, design and distribution; responsible for community outreach including event planning, store grand openings and on-camera representation
Assembly/Senate Press Secretary/Director of Communications
Office of the Assistant Majority Leader / Chair, Banking & Finance Committee
01.2009 - 12.2011
- Established relationships with statewide media including print, radio, internet, cable and television; responsible for public image, speech writing, and generating story ideas; drafted press releases related to legislation and 'hot-button' issues; design and organized newsworthy public forums, media events, and press conferences; established relationships with issue stakeholders; generated daily reports on legislation at all levels (local, state and federal); generated daily media reports on 'hot topics'; represented and spoke on behalf of caucus and state officials at public, private, and media events
Director, Communications/Marketing/Government Relations
Realtor.com
01.2004 - 12.2008
- Responsible for website content, consumer and customer newsletters, corporate branding, and online Unique Visitor growth.
- Maintained social media platform content.
- Provided C-Suite with media and marketing campaign briefings, talking points, speeches, and investor relations scripts.
- Oversaw a staff of eight, maintained a digital footprint in the national real estate space resulting in over 14 million unique visitors to the website per day.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
Education
English/Philosophy - English Literature/Philosophy
USC
Los Angeles, CAParalegal Certification -
Mount San Antonio College
Walnut, CABusiness Administration - Business Administration
University of La Verne
La Verne, CASkills
- Multimedia storytelling
- Media outreach
- Annual communication planning
- Social media content development
- Crisis Management
- Content Creation
- Media Relations
- Public Relations
- Public relations
- Public Speaking
- Content Creation
- Crisis Management
- Marketing campaigns
- Brand-building strategies
- Brand positioning
- Business Development
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Web Analytics
- Media Relations
- Media Buying
Accomplishments
* Raised profile of several elected officials through edgy media campaigns, effective social media outreach, and online content development including signature videos shared with influencer groups/individuals.
* Launched several public education campaigns on issues including homelessness, small business resources, housing, and government programs and services.
* Developed a statewide traveling townhall on behalf of the California State Assembly on the subject of the State's budget process.
Publicationsandreports
- Embracing Change: An Immigrant Saga, Simon & Schuster, 2017
- Six Secrets to Social Media Success, Center for Nonprofit Management, 2011
- The Simple Nuances of Crafting A Message, La Verne University Communications Newsletter, 07/01/08
- The Business of Perception: A Park Avenue Look From Your Home Address, Latin Business Association’s Newsletter
References
- Alicia Maldonado, President, Mockingbird Communications, (213) 236-3695
- Jason Mandell, Director, Larson Communications, (213) 500-9142
- Mark Farouk, Chief of Staff, California Assembly, (916) 319-2047
Committeesandboards
- Founding member, Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce, Policy Committee co-chair
- Member, American Association of Political Consultants (AACP)
- Member, Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA), membership newsletter editor
- Member, Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Los Angeles Chapter
- Former president, Advocating Latino Technology Advancement (ALTA; a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit), 2000 – 2002
- Board chair, MERCI, a nonprofit group providing services to mentally challenged students
- Board Secretary, El Centro de Ayuda, a nonprofit serving the needs of families dealing with substance and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and anger management issues.
- Fundraising consultant, United Latino Fund, a Los Angeles based nonprofit that provides support to other nonprofits through technical and financial assistance.
- Board member, After the School Bell Rings, a nonprofit dedicated to serving the needs of children with after school mentoring programs.
- Member, Lions Club - Montebello Chapter
- Board member, City of Whittier Bond Oversight Committee
Certification
CORO Public Relations Master-Level Certificate
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Director of Communications
California State Assembly
01.2020 - 12.2024
Partner
Portillo-Sinclair (formerly the Qualia Group)
01.2017 - 12.2019
Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications
Long Beach City College
01.2014 - 12.2016
Assistant Director Public Affairs/Government Relations
Vons, Inc. - A Safeway Company
01.2011 - 12.2013
Assembly/Senate Press Secretary/Director of Communications
Office of the Assistant Majority Leader / Chair, Banking & Finance Committee
01.2009 - 12.2011
Director, Communications/Marketing/Government Relations
Realtor.com
01.2004 - 12.2008
CORO Public Relations Master-Level Certificate
English/Philosophy - English Literature/Philosophy
USC
Paralegal Certification -
Mount San Antonio College
Business Administration - Business Administration
University of La Verne
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