Meet the team.
San Diego/Imperial Counties is led by a volunteer board of directors. Members of the Board serve three-year terms, beginning January 1, and are elected at the chapter’s annual meeting in the fall. The officer positions are elected each year, for one-year terms. Board meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month, and meetings are open to any chapter member who would like to attend.
Board members lead committees of volunteers to accomplish important work to achieve chapter goals. Click on any of the board members’ name below to learn more. For chapter inquiries, please email our chapter administrator, Blake Nelson.
Executive Committee
Jenny Mehlow, Treasurer
Why PRSA? PRSA – and even PRSSA – has been a constant professional support for me during my career. I’ve attended conferences, trainings and online educational courses that help me grow as a professional and give me more insight into the trends happening in the public relations field. And as a bonus, I’ve met and developed some great relationships – professional and personal – during my PRSA membership.
Jenny Mehlow is a media relations professional with experience at communications agencies and in-house PR departments in Austin, Boston and San Diego. Her experience spans the technology, non-profit, government and environmental sectors.
Elena Gomez
Why PRSA? I joined PRSA to develop new connections and to support the local PRSA community through events that can provide networking and career-building skills for both aspiring and experienced PR professionals. I look forward to building relationships that can make a difference in our community and inspire others to dream big in their careers.
Elena Gomez is an Associate Director of Media Relations at the University of San Diego. In this role, Gomez pitches story ideas to the media, shoots/edits/writes stories happening on campus and serves as a liaison between the university and the press. She is also a freelance journalist for ABC7 Eyewitness News in Los Angeles, San Diego Magazine and CampestreMAG. In addition to these roles, Gomez recently founded a blog called HomeTold with Elena where she produces, shoots video, edits and writes stories focused on the people and places that make North County San Diego unique.
Prior to working in media relations, Gomez was a news reporter for NBC7 San Diego for several years, mostly on the morning show. As an Emmy-nominated reporter, Gomez covered breaking news, California wildfires, political scandals, high-profile court cases and even the Oscars while reporting in Los Angeles. Before landing her current positions, Gomez and her husband took an extended honeymoon to live out their lifelong dreams. His: backpack the Pacific Crest Trail. Hers: live in Paris, France. During this time, they started a blog about traveling as newlyweds. Gomez’ passion for storytelling also led her to continue reporting abroad for their blog — covering high-profile news events like the Notre Dame Cathedral fire, the Strasbourg Christmas market attack and the yellow vest protests in Paris.
Gomez graduated from San Diego State University with a MA in Mass Communication and Media Studies and a BFA in Television and Broadcast Journalism from Chapman University.
Arturo Garcia Sierrra, President
Why PRSA? Our region’s PRSA is a great way to connect through this profession we all love. It’s also a wonderful avenue to give back to those starting off or trying to return to the communications path.
Arturo Garcia Sierra is a strategic communicator and community builder with nearly a decade of professional experience in media. He currently leads marketing and communications at the nationally renowned Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
Become joining MCASD, Arturo managed communications at Balboa Park’s Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA), one in three museums in the U.S. solely dedicated to photography.
Arturo learned PR best practices at Mixte Communications, a California-based boutique agency. There, he worked with regional, national and international changemakers, providing media relations and digital communications services.
Arturo holds a BA in journalism from San Diego State University, where his proudest accomplishment was founding a still-surviving, Spanish-language subdivision of the college’s century-old student newspaper.
Karlene Sanchez
Why PRSA? Networking, professional development opportunities, event planning and collaboration are all fundamental aspects of the organization. My drive for these elements attracted me to PRSA SD/IC. The next step? Diving in with the team to brainstorm fun opportunities, networking and mentoring events, learning alongside other professionals, and more.
Karlene Sanchez is a bilingual public relations executive with a goal of learning and ensuring more voices are heard and communities engaged within the industry and region.
Karlene focuses on stakeholder engagement and community relations at Katz & Associates, a powerhouse strategic communications firm. She supports her team in the construction, transportation, and water practices by coordinating and assisting events, supporting English to Spanish translation efforts for clients, and planning internal processes for the firm.
Karlene is a #PRoudAztec who graduated from SDSU in December 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and an auxiliary discipline in Health Science. During her time at SDSU, she served as an Opinion staff writer for The Daily Aztec where she wrote about relevant issues to college students in an on-campus newsletter to help students balance school and work commitments. She was also on the fall 2020 public relations team for the Glen M. Broom Center for Professional Development in Public Relations.
Blake Nelson, APR, Past President
Why PRSA? The relationships I formed through PRSA are a big part of how I was able to start my company. Without PRSA, I wouldn’t have the work/life balance I enjoy today.
Blake Nelson, APR, is an award-winning public affairs and public relations practitioner with 20 years’ experience. After nearly a decade of running at a sprinter’s pace at a premier agency she took a step back to realign her personal and professional goals. The result: A young, active family and My Sage PR, a successful sole proprietorship in Carlsbad, California.
Nelson specializes in community outreach and education programs. She has extensive experience working with municipalities, public agencies, nonprofit organizations and private businesses. She is constantly expanding her public outreach expertise in industries such as energy, government relations, water and transportation.
This is her second time elected chapter president. Through PRSA, she’s been a panelist at international conferences and professional development seminars. Personal commitments include serving as PTA president at the local elementary school, soccer club booster, family social organizer and reluctant taxi driver. She graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She received her Accreditation in Public Relations in 2007.
Directors at Large
UC San Diego
Cheryl P. Robinson, APR
One of Cheryl’s strengths is her willingness and ability to immerse herself into her clients’ specialties/industries to understand their business, analyze trends, identify opportunities and provide strategic, integrated communications counsel designed to increase stakeholder awareness of important issues, educate stakeholders to make informed choices and influence changes in behaviors and opinions. She brings extensive experience, enthusiasm for a challenge and spot-on counsel in stakeholder engagement, media strategy, crisis and issues management, change management and employee engagement.
Cheryl has 20+ years of agency experience in corporate communications, supporting clients from small, family-owned businesses, to highly-matrixed, global organizations. She formerly served as Vice President at Edelman, and spent the bulk of her formative career years at Padilla, formerly known as CRT/tanaka.
Cheryl received a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from Virginia Wesleyan College, and has earned her accreditation in public relations (APR) credential from the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) administered by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). She is a member of the board of directors of the San Diego/Imperial County Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA SD/IC).
Janet Farala
Why PRSA? PRSA plays an integral role in providing crucial resources and networks that support effective communication and meaningful engagement. Cultivating skilled communicators is key to enhancing the impact of our collective efforts on our vibrant community.
Janet Farala, an Account Executive at Southwest Strategies, supports her clients through community engagement and corporate communication. Her responsibilities include managing budgets, coordinating communication projects, and implementing social media strategies to bring clients’ visions to life.
Before her position at Southwest Strategies, Janet ran her own marketing business, focusing on graphic design, social media management, and strategic marketing. This instrumental experience allowed her to hone her skills in crafting brand strategies that led to client satisfaction and engagement.
At CSU Bakersfield, where Janet earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications, she led the university’s PRSSA chapter with a strong focus on advocating for a wider range of voices and perspectives in public relations, a core principle that she carries into her current practice.
In her role at Southwest Strategies, Janet excels in developing comprehensive community engagement strategies and executing effective communication plans. Her varied background, coupled with her ability to understand and cater to diverse audience needs, showcases her adaptability and professional depth.
Getty Images
Anne Flanagan
As VP of Brand & communications for Getty Images Anne Flanagan is responsible for leading a cohesive and encompassing marketing communications strategy for the international media company. Anne oversees Getty Images’ brands, reputation and external communications globally.
Anne joined Getty Images in 2014 and prior to being appointed Head of PR in 2017, Anne headed up PR for the company in APAC and LATAM.
Prior to joining Getty Images, Anne held key leadership roles in agencies in Sydney, London and Dubai working exclusively with technology and media clients including Microsoft, Samsung, and HP. In these roles she was accountable for developing and implementing regional communications strategies and tactics in support of business and image goals.
A veteran of the industry, Anne is a communications professional who has championed Getty Images’ reinvention of stock content to better reflect society today. Her work supports the company in providing alternative visuals for media and business, enabling authentic visual representation and breaking down stereotypes that have persisted for decades.
Her work includes increasing the diversity behind and in front of the lens, specifically for communities who have been historically marginalized. She was part of the team that pioneered a global partnership with Dove to launch Project #ShowUs – the world’s largest photo library created by women and non-binary individuals to shatter beauty stereotypes.
Anne is a graduate of the University of Newcastle and in 2021 was awarded the Newton-John Alumni Medal. She lives in California with her wife and daughter.
San Diego Tourism Authority
Edna Gutierrez
Why PRSA? PRSA provides essential tools, mentorship opportunities and career advancement resources for PR professionals. As a Latina in the industry, I’m excited to share my experiences, cultivate relationships, collaborate with bright minds, and contribute to the growth of the local PR community.
With over a decade of experience in public relations and communications, Edna Gutierrez is a dedicated professional with a proven track record in the entertainment and hospitality industry. Her expertise lies in crafting compelling narratives and executing strategic communication plans on both national and international scales. Currently holding the position of Senior Manager of Public Relations at the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA), she oversees the leisure programs in the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Edna is a bilingual professional fluent in English and Spanish, serving as a spokesperson and translator and effectively navigating binational relations. She proudly serves on SDTA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion board.
Before joining SDTA, she served as a Public Relations Specialist at HMC Advertising, a Hispanic-focused PR agency, where she successfully raised awareness for top entertainment clients such as Cirque du Soleil, Disney on Ice, Ringling Bros., and Monster Jam through positive press coverage and creative campaigns in key Hispanic markets including San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Seattle, Portland, and Phoenix. Her journey in the field began at Entravision Communications, where she held roles such as Marketing and Promotions Manager, overseeing promotions and event strategies for Univision and Telemundo.
Edna earned her BA in Liberal Arts and Sciences Communication with an Emphasis in Advertising and a Minor in Psychology from San Diego State University.
Alexis Cortes
Why PRSA? The connections and networking opportunities PRSA provides are invaluable. With my past involvement in PRSSA and PRSA SD/IC New Pros, it is amazing to see first-hand the impactful growth and career opportunities this network provides. As a Latina in the PR industry, I am excited to help continue the chapter’s diversity and inclusion efforts and advocate for the understanding of different cultures, perspectives and needs in all capacities of our work.
Alexis Cortes is a Senior Publicist at J/PR, a global communications firm specializing in public relations, social media and content creation. With a focus on the luxury travel and hospitality space, Alexis has worked with a range of clients, including Pendry Hotels, Four Seasons Resort Lanai, The Utah Office of Tourism, Hai Hospitality, Pilot Hotels, Nobu Hotels, Lido House, L’Auberge de Sedona, JC Resorts and more. With an affinity for storytelling and fostering media relationships, Alexis is committed to helping clients reach their full potential through exciting and thoughtful PR, partnerships and collaborations. Her fingers are on the pulse of industry trends, and brings her creativity, connections and collaborative style to her role every day.
Danny Sanchez
Why PRSA? I joined PRSA for the opportunity to connect with other experts in our field and learn from some of the best industry leaders throughout our region, while being able to share any wisdom I might’ve gained throughout my career and help the next generation of PR professionals reach their goals. I believe it is crucial to have a network of resources and support that encompasses different fields, experiences and knowledge.
Danny Sanchez is a bilingual, native San Diegan with over a decades-worth of experience working in professional sports in Southern California. As the Director of Business Communications & Spanish Media Relations for the San Diego Padres, Danny’s responsibilities range from corporate communications, non-baseball events, and community relations to the day-to-day baseball information. He also leads the organization’s Latin American PR efforts and has worked to cultivate relationships with international media in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and more.
Sanchez got his start in professional sports breaking in with the Padres as part of their ticket sales team before moving up the road to Los Angeles and working for the LA Galaxy of Major League Soccer. While with the Galaxy, Danny transitioned out of sales and joined the organization’s Community Relations & LA Galaxy Foundation department where his duties included the club’s charitable initiatives, fundraising, community events, and player-specific causes. He returned to San Diego and the Padres in March of 2015 after joining the Comms/PR department. During his time, he has had the opportunity to work four (4) Major League Baseball All-Star Games (2016 in San Diego, 2017 in Miami, 2022 in Los Angeles, and 2023 in Seattle) and four (4) Major League Baseball playoff series: 2016, 2017, 2020 and the Padres’ run to the National League Championship Series in 2022. On an international front, Sanchez has worked international events in Mexico City and Seoul, South Korea while also serving as the Press Officer for Team Mexico in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Throughout his tenure, he has also been a part of new jersey unveils, a complete organizational rebrand prior to the 2020 season, numerous community projects in both San Diego & Baja California, concerts at Petco Park, and publicity surrounding the ballpark’s annual concession food offerings and team gear merchandise.
A graduate of Biola University, Sanchez earned his bachelor’s degree in Sociology. He participated in various intermural sports and studied abroad in Sydney and Australia during his collegiate career. When not at the ballpark, he enjoys traveling, spending time with his golden retriever Dulce, and volunteering with San Diego County Animal Services and his local church’s special needs program.
Associate New Pros + Ethics Officer (Non-Voting)
Hannah Blome
Why PRSA? In this early stage of my career, I’ve discovered that networking and professional community involvement are pivotal. After attending PRSA SD/IC events last year, it became apparent that this was the space to do just that! I’m looking forward to helping the organization build membership and organize events for other PR pros looking for the same opportunities.
Hannah Blome is an early career public relations professional with a journalism background and eagerness to learn from PR Pros. She is passionate about effective communication and mentorship.
Hannah is joining the board this year as a “New Pro” associate board member on the Membership and Volunteer committee.
As an Account Coordinator at Katz & Associates, Hannah assists with organizational support, stakeholder engagement, and social media content for statewide clients ranging across water, transportation, and construction projects.
Hannah is a UC Davis alumna. She graduated December 2021 with a Political Science B.A. and Professional Writing minor. Hannah was introduced to media relations through her experience as a journalist for The California Aggie campus newspaper at UC Davis, as a court case reporter for the Davis Vanguard, and as a Public Affairs Intern for Dewey Square Group in Sacramento.
Meeting Minutes
Reach out today.
Don’t be shy. If you have a question, please reach out! We also invite you to follow us on social media and subscribe to our e-newsletter to stay up to date on the most recent chapter announcements.
