Spencer Andrews
Public Affairs Professional
San Diego
Summary
Public affairs professional with over nine years of experience driving business expansion and stakeholder engagement. Expertise in land-use entitlements, policy analysis, public outreach campaigns, and strategic government liaising. Proven ability to build robust community coalitions and distill complex policy issues, aligning organizational goals with community interests.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Public Affairs Director
March and Ash, Inc.
09.2018 - 03.2025
- Led expansion of business into new markets through merit-based permit application processes in several jurisdictions throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties.
- Successfully worked to bring nine coveted retail cannabis permits under company control in a highly competitive environment.
- Served as company liaison between March and Ash and government officials throughout permitting and entitlement of nine new projects.
- Served as spokesperson for the organization, representing the company at industry events and in media interviews.
- Identified community stakeholders and executed outreach strategies to build support for new and existing operations.
- Positioned March and Ash as an industry thought leader through strategic media coverage and stakeholder outreach.
- Maintained constant understanding of evolving State and local policy landscape to better inform company ownership of opportunities, risks and shifting priorities.
- Represented March and Ash in various trade group associations and industry organizations with the goal of bolstering the company's 'responsible adult-use' platform.
Account Executive
Southwest Strategies LLC
05.2016 - 02.2018
- Executed public outreach campaigns for multiple large infrastructure projects in San Diego County, including SANDAG’s North Coast Corridor Program and SDG&E’s Line 1600 Pipeline Safety Enhancement Project.
- Researched state and local policy issues relevant to client base utilizing city council resolutions, planning group minutes, polling figures, zoning regulations, municipal code, and draft ordinances.
- Coordinated public support/opposition for multiple issues before the San Diego City Council by organizing pre-hearing rallies, driving attendance through email campaigns, and drafting talking points for public comment.
- Generated support for a large-scale energy infrastructure project through a public education campaign that used a coalition of community and industry leaders.
- Developed strategic messaging platforms by conducting communications audits and community surveys.
Public Relations Intern
SKDKnickerbocker
10.2015 - 03.2016
- Drafted press releases, opinion pieces, pitches, and social media strategies for various corporate and non-profit clients.
- Developed internal briefing booklets on key communications principles for The Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities initiative.
- Generated press lists and pitched target outlets for editorial coverage resulting in pieces at Devex, Next City, and the Times-Picayune.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara05.2015
Certification of Professional Achievement - International Relations
Columbia University - School of Professional Studies
New York, NY09.2015
Skills
- Policy advocacy
- Strategic communications
- Stakeholder outreach
- Media relations
- Regulatory analysis
- Permit entitlements
Timeline
Public Affairs Director
March and Ash, Inc.
09.2018 - 03.2025
Account Executive
Southwest Strategies LLC
05.2016 - 02.2018
Public Relations Intern
SKDKnickerbocker
10.2015 - 03.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of California, Santa Barbara
Certification of Professional Achievement - International Relations
Columbia University - School of Professional Studies