Join Ken Chawkins, Steve Crosby, and Seth Jacobson from JCI Worldwide for a lunch and panel discussion on the recent Palisades and Eaton fires from a public affairs PR perspective. Panelists will explore the backlash against the LA County administration, including how leadership (especially Mayor Karen Bass) responded and what could have been done differently on the PR side.
- Ken Chawkins, Senior Advisor: Having spent almost 30 years in public affairs, serving business, labor, government, and nonprofits, Ken is an expert in identifying strategic partners, developing sharp messaging and outreach efforts. Chawkins’ works with Gemini Motors and South Coast Air Quality Management District. He is Project Lead for the City of South Pasadena in their transition to become the first city in the US with an all zero-emissions Police Force and National Demographics Corporation helping public jurisdictions in California navigate the development of electoral maps. He teaches Stakeholder Engagement at UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs.
- Steve Crosby, Senior Advisor: Known for his years of extensive business, educational, and political relationships on the state and federal level. Crosby has more than 30 years of experience in public affairs, strategic corporate and crisis communications, government, and community relations, as well as grassroots coalition-building. As a senior advisor at JCI he provides insight and strategy for a variety of clients ranging from telecommunications and healthcare to technology. He has extensive experience in Sacramento having worked for the California Legislature for a number of years as well as providing public affairs strategy for clients on a multitude of issues in the State.
- Seth Jacobson, Principal: Seth Jacobson is one of the nation’s leading marketing and communications specialists, with more than 25 years of experience in corporate communications, coalition advocacy, and public affairs. He specializes in creating highly effective advocacy programs for companies, governmental agencies, and organizations competing in the new global marketplace. Prior to starting JCI, he spent 12 years leading the western divisions of two of the nation’s largest public relations and advertising agencies: Edelman Public Relations and Ogilvy & Mather, where he ran divisions responsible for public affairs, public relations, and new technology. Prior to this, Seth spent five years working in Washington, D.C., including several years in the Carter and Clinton administrations in positions focused on press relations, global and national presidential events, technology, economic development, and foreign policy.
Founded in 1995, JCI is a leader in communications, advocacy, and public affairs. With award-winning campaigns and successful partnerships, their agency has built a reputation for delivering results and driving success. Their team is made up of communications professionals, crisis experts, and other individuals from diverse work experiences looking to grow their careers. JCI seeks out bright, motivated people who are curious and desire a challenge. People who succeed at JCI thrive on collaboration, continuous learning, and regular feedback.
Don’t miss out if you are interested in a career in strategic communications, public affairs, and advocacy!
