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
My Sage Public Relations
Blake Nelson, APR, 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.
Arturo Garcia Sierra, President-Elect
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.
Barbara Cosio Moreno, Secretary
Barbara Cosio Moreno is an award-winning senior communications professional. Her passion has always been telling a good story and overcoming a challenge. Barbara has served as a lead on crisis communications plans, security planning for high-profile civic events and provided counsel to C-Suite leadership and Board of Directors.
She is currently the District Communications Manager for Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins.
She began her career as a television news producer, working in newsrooms from Las Vegas to Phoenix, San Diego, and Los Angeles. She’s seen a lot of history unfold, including coverage of earthquakes, floods, and wildfires, as well as the unforgettable events of 9/11. She was nominated twice for an Emmy Award. After leaving the newsroom, Barbara transitioned to strategic communications and marketing for the Port of San Diego, earning the Port several awards for in-house video production. She helped launch the Port’s social media platforms and worked closely on communications efforts related to the Port’s first Climate Action Plan and Green Business Network. Barbara was the Executive Director of Communications for the San Diego Convention Center for nearly six years, earning dozens of local and national awards, including “Best Website Redesign” for the San Diego Convention Center site and “Best Non-Profit Blog.” She was also named a “Top Woman in PR” by PR News in 2018. She also was asked to lead the first Marketing and Communications Department for the San Diego Theatres which manages and operates two performing arts venues: the Civic Theatre and the historic Balboa Theatre in downtown San Diego.
Barbara earned a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from California State University, Los Angeles. She joined PRSA in 2014.
Barbara’s favorite memory so far about living in San Diego? Meeting her wife, Vanessa.
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.
April Tellez Green, Past President
Why PRSA? Ensuring my skill set is current has always been of utmost importance to me. PRSA SD/IC organizes useful and relevant professional development events that allow me to stay up on industry trends and network with the talented communicators in my hometown, San Diego. My board service and active involvement at PRSA SD/IC stems from a desire to give back to my profession in a tangible way.
April Tellez Green (she/her) is a versatile communications professional with extensive experience developing strategic campaigns that strengthen brands and deliver results. She currently serves as communications manager at the UC San Diego Library where she oversees the Library’s public relations, email, blog and social media programs, while also assisting with branding, website management, digital advertising and strategic planning. She also owns and runs Project Reboot, a boutique communications agency, where she serves diverse clients across multiple industries.
Prior to joining UC San Diego, April served as public relations and communications manager at National University. Here she identified story ideas that effectively represented the mission, vision and values of the university, managed crisis communication, media trained spokespeople and drafted content for a variety of outlets, including web and social media.
Before accepting her position at National University, April worked as public relations and social media manager at the San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat). In this role, her main charge was to ensure the museum fostered and maintained healthy relationships with media, influencers and community partners. During her tenure, she helped position the museum as a top attraction in San Diego and well-respected scientific research institution. She also managed the museum’s social media, email and blog programs.
In addition to her full-time positions, April makes it a point to serve on boards that align with her profession and passions. From 2016 to 2018, she served on San Diego Museum Council’s board as marketing committee chair. She has been active with PRSA SD/IC since 2017 and assumed her first role on the board in January 2018. She now serves as president on the Executive Committee. In 2022, April accepted a board role on UC San Diego’s newly created Public Relations Council — she’s currently serving as community relations chair and is a part of the council’s inaugural board of directors.
April holds a bachelor’s degree in communication with an emphasis in public relations from San Diego State University’s School of Journalism and Media Studies, a program consistently proven to be one of the finest and most rigorous in the nation. If you’d like to connect with April, feel free to reach out to her on LinkedIn or Twitter.
Directors at Large
Anne Buckley
Why PRSA? PRSA as an organization is a global advocate for ethical, professional communications, and the opportunity to serve on the board of directors is a tremendous way to further that advocacy. I have been active in PRSA for many years, mostly as a champion of the Accreditation in Public Relations credential. I’m looking forward to working with the professional development team as I learn my way around my new city, new job and new PRSA colleagues.
In her role as UC San Diego’s Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, Anne provides executive-level leadership and vision for the university’s comprehensive suite of communications and marketing efforts. She sets strategy for University Communications, Health Sciences and Athletics and works closely with UC San Diego Health, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Advancement and Admissions.
Buckley is a veteran in higher education and academic medicine communications with more than 15 years of progressive leadership, management and crisis communications experience within the industry. Most recently, she served as Chief Communications Officer for the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and the UAB Health System. Buckley built UAB’s Division of University Relations, which protects and propels the UAB brand with integrated communications efforts that included public relations, digital strategy and marketing, trademarks and licensing, executive communications, social media strategy, and editorial content as well as management of WBHM-FM, Central Alabama’s National Public Radio affiliate. In her previous role as Senior Director of University Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), she managed all news and public information efforts for the university and the VCU Medical Center.
Prior to her experience in higher education, Buckley served as a national news editor at the Associated Press and as founder and president of Prestige Media Inc., a full-service public relations firm for corporate clients, law firms and small- to medium-sized businesses throughout Virginia and the Southeast. Buckley received a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of New Mexico. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and earned an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) in 2009.
Paulina Sierra
Paulina Sierra is a public relations professional at Southwest Strategies supporting project managers in helping on projects such as SR 11/Otay Mesa East Project, the SANDAG Regional Plan, and the San Joaquin Valley Regional Policy Conference. She specializes in collateral development, event planning, and community outreach. In addition to her role at PRSA, she is also on the Advocacy Committee at MANA de San Diego. Sierra earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics with minors in Political Science and Theater Arts from the University of San Diego.
William Lopez
Why PRSA? There are a few things that I am most passionate about; mentoring others and volunteering, and PRSA has given me an opportunity to exercise these goals to the fullest. My over 20 years of success in the PR industry, and ongoing efforts to stay ahead of trends and information through continued education has honed my leadership and management skills, allowing me to grow both professionally and personally. My recent certification in Diversity and Inclusion is one example of my commitment to
put forth my best in every situation to help others navigate changing times, current trends and ever-evolving protocols. Working alongside this group of talented and accomplished board members is a true joy and an amazing honor.
After starting a PR + Marketing career in his hometown of Chicago, William moved to San
Diego, and in 2000, founded Alternative Strategies. For over 20 years, he has acted as Principal
of Alternative Strategies, and his marketing and communications firm has expanded to become
one of San Diego’s leading agencies of its kind. Alternative Strategies now represents over 50
top restaurants, bars and hospitality groups throughout Southern California, along with a host of successful businesses in other industries which include retail, commercial real estate and
business complexes. William’s professional dreams have been realized with the many awards
he and his team have received, the increased growth of his client list, and the legacy of success his clients have enjoyed throughout the years.
William holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing and a master’s and doctorate in
Education from Northwestern University-Chicago. He gained significant marketing and PR
expertise during his tenure at such noted companies as Nordstrom’s, Enterprise Car Rental, Thrifty Car Rental, Nine West, and Planet Hollywood. Working with these companies gave William an inside look at everything from franchise-based organizations, to national
corporations, equipping him to know how to help businesses of every size succeed.
With a passion for continued education and remaining on the cutting edge in his industry,
William constantly dedicates himself to furthering his knowledge on current trends and
practices. His recent Certification in Diversity and Inclusion for Organizational Excellence from
Stanford University is one expression of his ongoing efforts to continue improving himself as an effective and inclusive communicator among his team, clients, and the public which he serves.
As a critical thinker and strategist with a successful track record in producing integrated marketing programs, William implements public relation campaigns and brand management initiatives that are proven effective for his clients in every industry. He is a stealthy marketing leader with experience in brand architecture that transcends cultural barriers for local, regional and national implementation ‘branding with a cultural pulse.’ But he goes one step further, managing with a heart for everyone who is involved in the process, which is a unique trait in the ever-evolving, somewhat unpredictable hospitality industry.
Beyond his professional track record, William has two unique passions which drive him to go
beyond the scope of his career goals. First, he is extremely motivated to mentor others on how to become the best they can be both professionally and personally. Secondly, William’s
dedication to serve knows no limits, as he not only donates his time, talents and resources to
groups such as Barrio Logan College Institute and Paws4Thought, he is driven to go above and beyond as a public servant on community forums and boards, such a North Park Mainstreet and Chula Vista’s Third Avenue Village Association.
Overall, William is a proven successful professional who has a true heart not only for his team
and clients, but for San Diego as a whole, and is always willing to take bold steps to give back to
the community he loves.
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.
Monica Gil dos Santos, MA
Why PRSA? PRSA allows for learning and networking opportunities. Since I have joined PRSA, I have met outstanding PR professionals, learned from their experience and advice, built significant relationships and further developed hard skills through valuable webinars. PRSA allows professional and personal growth opportunities while collaborating with fellow professionals and further evolving the industry.
Monica Gil dos Santos is an Account Executive at Katz & Associates, a PR firm specialized in strategic communication, public involvement and community relations to advance essential projects in the water, transportation, development, military and creative sectors.
Monica has writing, advertising and client relations experience in a variety of sectors, including hospitality, finance, health and government. Her background also includes social media marketing and content management.
Growing up bilingual and bicultural with a Portuguese background in Germany, Monica has early on developed an interest in other cultures and languages. She has lived in four countries and has visited over 18. Speaking five languages, she uses her multilingual and intercultural communication skills to build relationships, tell stories and write and promote content that drives interest among all communities, media and stakeholders.
Monica holds a Bachelor of Arts in Language, Literature and Culture and a Master of Arts in
Language and Communications. She also earned the PR Council’s Agency-Ready Certificate.
Monica is passionate about youth, health, JEDI and the environment as a volunteer with Water for People San Diego.
Anthony King, APR
Anthony King (he/him) currently serves as communications director in UC San Diego University Communications supporting the School of Arts and Humanities. At the university, he is a LEAD Fellow trained from the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and is the school’s first staff equity advisor.
Committed to providing professional development opportunities for all staff, he is the co-founder and current co-chair of the university’s Public Relations Council, and has served as chair of multiple staff and faculty groups: the UC San Diego Marketing Council, University Communications Process Improvement Committee, and Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Issues.
Prior to UC San Diego, he was editor at San Diego Community News Network, leading the print publications Gay San Diego, San Diego Uptown News and San Diego Downtown News. He was editor of community news organizations in Boston and Seattle, and would like to continue his volunteer work with international non-profit organizations working in human rights, humanitarian relief and economic empowerment.
Anthony received his bachelor’s degree in English with an emphasis in expository writing from the University of Washington, and his master’s degree in international relations with an emphasis in nonprofit management from Alliant International University. He received his Accreditation in Public Relations in 2022, and is a member of the International Public Relations Association, the Public Relations Society of America and the San Diego/Imperial Counties chapter of PRSA.
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).
Amanda Nelson
Why PRSA? I joined PRSSA over a decade ago in college and enjoyed the community of budding professionals. We were young, scrappy, and hungry, eager to get out into the world. Today, I’m excited to get involved with PRSA to continue to hone my craft, learn from others, and challenging the status quo in our industry.
Amanda Nelson is a recognized Director of Communications with 15+ years of experience in communications strategy, storytelling, and nonprofit management. Leading teams to create compelling stories that produce tangible results, Amanda uses data to weave compassion and advocacy into each story. A speaker on diversity in storytelling & campaign strategy; overcoming career obstacles & failures; and leadership.
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.
Associate New Pros + Ethics Officer (Non-Voting)
Karlene Sanchez
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 is joining the board this year as an associate board member for the communications committee.
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.
Chris Jenkins
Why PRSA? In the past 6 years, I have contributed to PRSA in some capacity or another. While I was a senior in college, I served on the PRSSA student chapter at California State University, San Bernardino. This helped sharpen my skills and build my network. These two concepts played an instrumental role in my growth and helped me transition into life after college. This chapter has a bevy of talent. I am anxious to learn and contribute in any way that I can, as well as pass on any knowledge I gain to the next generation of PR pros.
Chris Jenkins is a communications professional who is new to the San Diego area. Chris has extensive work experience for a government agency that serves upwards of 1 million customers. Chris has contributed to several campaigns. Including a nonprofit at his alma mater that served college students facing food insecurities. This campaign generated web traffic that garnered over 1,800 pounds of nonperishable food items. This won the highly coveted “Polaris Award” from the PRSA-Inland Empire Chapter in 2017. Other highlights include constructing the Standard Operating Procedure on how to post social media content for Western Municipal Water District.
Chris’s videography hobby is gradually transitioning into becoming a valuable skill set he can utilize in this industry. Most of his work has been pro bono at this point, but he did shoot and edit videos that broadcasted at a local movie theatre during his stint at Western Municipal Water District. Chris graduated as a Lambda Pi Eta member with a Bachelor of Arts in communication from California State University, San Bernardino.
In his downtime, he is physically active and most likely has a basketball or a camera in his hand.
PRSSA SDSU
Sammi Reyes
Why PRSA? When I stumbled into Public Relations, I did not know what to expect. PRSSA showed me the ropes and as I reach graduation, I am excited to have the resources and network that PRSA has to offer. Additionally, I am excited to show others, especially other college students approaching graduation, the impact of PRSA and what it could provide them.
Sammi Beatrice is the President of PRSSA at SDSU and the founder/CEO of Your Passion Agency, a podcast consulting agency. As a fourth year at SDSU majoring in Media Studies, Marketing, and Communication, Sammi is passionate about helping others share their voice and their story.
Sammi’s PR journey began at Scout’s Agency, the leading PR agency in Podcast Tours, helping female entrepreneurs become guests on podcasts. She aided in helping get these women on some of the top podcasts that have millions of listeners. With Sammi’s previous experience in podcasting as she has hosted the Fashion Your Passion Podcast since 2019, she realized how much she enjoyed every aspect of the podcasting industry.
After 2 years at Scout’s Agency, she opened Your Passion Agency to help other passionate females start their own podcasts and be empowered to share their message with the world.
Additionally, Sammi is the Events Director for American Marketing Association at SDSU. Sammi is excited to serve on the Community Relations + Advocacy committee and is eager to repair the bridge between PRSA SD/IC and PRSSA SDSU.
Julie Smith Taylor, Ethics Officer
Meeting Minutes
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