Randle Communications Promotes Erin Dunlay to Vice President of Public Relations

SACRAMENTO – Randle Communications (Randle), Sacramento’s top-ranked public relations and public affairs firm, announced today that Erin Dunlay has been promoted to Vice President of Public Relations. Since 2015, she has played a central role across Randle’s public relations, public affairs and ballot initiative practices and internal operations. Dunlay has led project teams for clients in health care on both the payer and provider sides, banking and finance, environmental protection, public pension management, crisis communications and ballot measure campaigns. As Vice President, she oversees Randle’s public relations practice and a is key member of the firm’s leadership team.

“Erin Dunlay is an accomplished communications strategist and team leader who personifies the firm’s ‘we, not me’ culture,” Jeff Randle, President and CEO of Randle Communications said. “We have aggressive goals to expand our public relations practice by delivering for current clients and winning opportunities for new business and we know Erin is the right person to help us get there. She has proven herself throughout the last five years and earned the promotion to Vice President of Public Relations. Looking forward, we know that Erin will provide outstanding leadership, support her teammates and help our clients succeed.”

During the last five years, Dunlay has led high-profile projects for clients including Golden 1 Credit Union, the Mattress Recycling Council, Dignity Health, Antelope Valley Hospital and California Family Fitness. Dunlay also led the firm’s work to promote the opening of Golden 1 Credit Union Center for the credit union and supported Sacramento Republic FC’s efforts to bring Major League Soccer to Sacramento. She understands the importance of storytelling and weaves it skillfully into digital communications, media relations, thought leadership, executive positioning, issue management, community relations and event planning.

“There’s no question Randle Communications has the most talented team in the business,” Dunlay said. “I’m so fortunate to work with my colleagues to produce the highest quality work on the most important issues of the day. It has been so rewarding to grow my career as part of an extraordinary team, and I’m extremely excited to lead our public relations practice into the future.”

Prior to joining the Randle team, Dunlay worked at global, statewide and local public relations firms, where she managed and worked on diverse national, statewide and local communications programs. She also has newsroom experience, having worked as a copy editor for the Omaha World-Herald.

Dunlay received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Creighton University. She is a member of the Leadership Sacramento class of 2020. Previously, she served on the board of the Sacramento Public Relations Association for six years, including a term as president, and spent six years on the River City Food Bank Board of Directors. When she’s not working, she can be found watching basketball or football or curling up with a good book. She and her husband, Ryan, have two children, Madeline and Max.

Joe Schutz Promotion Elevates Randle Communications’ Creative Services Practice

SACRAMENTO – Sacramento’s top-ranked public relations and public affairs firm, Randle Communications (Randle), today announced the promotion of Joseph (Joe) Schutz from multimedia account coordinator to the newly created position of multimedia producer. Schutz joined the firm in 2019 focusing on video production and he will play a leading role in the continued expansion of Randle’s in-house creative services practice, which has achieved unrivaled results, meeting demand for real-time, visually dynamic and captivating content.

“Joe Schutz is immensely talented, and his creative vision and bold approach to producing video content have created new opportunities for our clients,” Randle President and CEO Jeff Randle said. “Video is a game-changing tool that helps impact target audiences, and Joe has earned this promotion by thinking strategically, working hard and helping our clients achieve their goals.”

As multimedia producer, Schutz will work across accounts to create compelling video content with a dynamic approach to help clients connect with industry stakeholders and consumers. Schutz’s promotion reflects Randle’s industry leadership and ability to deliver multi-faceted and fully-integrated public affairs, public relations and ballot initiative campaign communications programs. Clients get the best value, efficiency and results.

“Multimedia production is my passion, and I love every detail in the process, from initial creative brainstorming to production and final edits,” Schutz said. “In this digital age, video storytelling is one of the most powerful tools, and I am grateful to be able to grow professionally and take on a larger role with the Randle Communications team.”

Schutz is a graduate of Jesuit High School and Cal Polytechnic State University. He is an avid Sacramento Kings fan, enjoys playing basketball and beach volleyball, adventuring with his dog, Gunther, and hanging out with family and friends.

Michael Lienhard Joins Growing Public Affairs and Ballot Initiatives Practices at Randle Communications

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Randle Communications (Randle) today announced the hire of Michael Lienhard as an assistant account executive to support the company’s growing public affairs and state and local ballot initiatives practices. Lienhard’s addition to the team reflects the firm’s commitment to recruiting talented professionals who bring passion and ingenuity to each project.

“We are thrilled to welcome Michael to the team. His strong advocacy and stakeholder mapping experience and knowledge of the evolving political landscape offers tremendous value to our clients,” Randle President and CEO Jeff Randle said. “Michael brings public affairs savvy, enthusiasm and an all-in mentality. He will be a great addition to our already strong team.”

Prior to joining the Randle team, Lienhard gained valuable experience working as a regional representative for former United States Senator Dean Heller. He worked hand-in-hand with local and county governments, influential stakeholders and elected officials to build coalitions that worked together to find creative solutions to legislative issues that affected thousands of constituents. Lienhard also helped lead the advocacy for and implementation of Senator Heller’s legislative priorities throughout northern and rural Nevada.

Lienhard will provide public affairs support to a wide range of Randle clients with a focus on coalition building, including the California Hospital Association, Californians Allied for Patient Protection and the statewide initiative campaign to protect MICRA.

“I am thrilled to be joining the best public affairs team in California, and to have the opportunity to work on important ballot measures that impact the lives of millions in the Golden State,” Lienhard said. “I look forward to working with the incredible team of people at Randle Communications, and support such an impressive group of clients.”

Lienhard is a two-time graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a Minor in Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration and Policy.

 

Breaking Through the Clutter – How to Make Your Pitch Stand Out

Those working in the media receive hundreds of emails a day from people who want their story told. How do you make sure your pitch stands out from all the others? Follow these simple tips to help break through the clutter and secure coverage.

Develop a relationship

Producers, reporters and writers are required by their supervisors to have multiple story ideas each day. To quickly sift through their trove of emails, they tend to look for names they recognize; they simply cannot read every email that comes to their inbox. You increase your chances of getting a response if you can develop a professional relationship with someone.

Another way to build a relationship is to connect with the reporter. Follow journalists on Twitter. They’ll appreciate that and you can learn more about their work and interests. This can also be an effective way to make a connection with your pitch. They might follow you back and over time as you interact with them, you can even direct message them to let them know you have an interesting story to share.

Create an eye-catching subject line

A good subject line is essential, but don’t get too catchy or cute.  It needs to be succinct, direct and to the point. Sometimes putting the word “local” is attention-getting and will garner results.

If you didn’t get results and would like to recirculate a press release or a pitch, it is helpful to put “follow-up” at the front of the same subject line. That will often trigger a response.

Make it local

A local story has a better chance of getting coverage. Reporters ask themselves ‘Why does my viewer/reader/listener care? ‘What can I offer my audience that they cannot get on a national level?’

Keep in mind:

Short and sweet

It’s important to make your pitch relevant, timely and have a personal impact to their audience.

If you are sending a pitch in an email, do not send any attachments. Embed the press release in your email and offer to send photos if the reporter/editor would like to have them.

If you are delivering a pitch on the phone, make it succinct and easy to understand. Practice your pitch. You typically have a good 20 seconds to make your case to a journalist and then hopefully they’ll ask you a question because you’ve piqued their initial interest.

Conduct follow up

A follow-up call is key to securing coverage. It helps make sure the person on the receiving end sees your email and it isn’t lost in cyberspace. It also gives time for them to ask questions and learn more about what you are pitching.

If it is an event, a call helps confirm it is on their planning calendar. If it is a bigger story, having a phone conversation helps them understand the topic/issue and vet the story. What are the visuals? Who is the spokesperson?

Using all of these tips collectively is a sure way to get noticed and receive coverage. Happy pitching!

Randle Communications Adds Powerhouse Public Affairs Leader

SACRAMENTO – Randle Communications, Sacramento’s top public relations and public affairs firm, today strengthened what is already one of California’s best communications firms by announcing that Nanette Farag has joined the firm as a director. A dynamic and skilled tactician with executive experience in state government, the legislature and campaigns, Farag will lead high-profile public affairs projects as well as the firm’s state and local ballot measure practice. She will focus on executing strategic media relations, coalition building, grassroots outreach, voter targeting and digital and paid advertising programs.

“Nanette Farag is a public affairs powerhouse, known for campaigns that are innovative, targeted and most importantly, successful,” said President and CEO Jeff Randle. “She excels because she understands the intersection between government and politics and uses the latest tools and technology to frame issues and shape attitudes. Nanette represents the future of California public affairs and ballot measure campaigns: a one-of-a-kind leader who wins elections under the most difficult circumstances. Her vision and experience make our great team even better.”

Farag has more than 15 years of experience leading strategic operations, political campaigns and external relations for high-profile candidates and elected officials. She served as chief of staff during Assemblywoman Catharine Baker’s tenure as the only Republican state elected official in the Bay Area. By combining data analytics, strategic coalition development, multi-faceted messaging strategies and performance-driven analysis in both the state and elections operation, the Baker campaign became the model for running and winning the most hard-fought races in the state.

Most recently, she worked as the director of member support and communications for the Assembly Republican Caucus, expanding the operational model she developed with Assemblywoman Baker to additional legislative offices. In her time at the Caucus, Farag developed effective, district-specific public affairs and outreach campaigns for legislators and issues, more than doubling both the volume and effectiveness of previous messaging campaigns. The results have improved public image, name ID and issue association at the district, state and national level.

Farag started her career in the State Senate and later worked in the administration of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as a member of the governor’s executive staff. She then served as deputy director of external affairs at the California Department of Consumer Affairs.

“I am thrilled to join Randle Communications and work with California’s best public relations and public affairs team,” said Farag. “The key to successful campaigns is blending the right people with the best strategy, and that’s our approach. I look forward to expanding Randle’s public affairs and ballot initiatives practices, innovating and helping our clients win.”

Farag earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government from California State University, Sacramento, and lives in West Sacramento with her husband, Ryan Endean, her stepdaughter, Ashley, and their rescue dog, Holly. A passionate community volunteer, Nanette and her husband spend much of their time working with Sacramento Pit Crew Rescue, an organization that fosters abused dogs, helps them recover and find forever homes.

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Joe Schutz Joins Growing Creative Services Practice at Randle Communications

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – As Randle Communications (Randle) continues to build its flourishing creative services practice, the firm is excited to announce the hiring of Joseph (Joe) Schutz as a multimedia account coordinator. As the public relations landscape continues evolving, Randle remains committed to building expertise in innovative strategies and tactics.

“Joe brings immense talent, unrivaled passion and boundless enthusiasm to the team. Video is critical to helping our clients effectively communicate their stories to target audiences, and we are thrilled to bolster our in-house video capabilities,” Randle President and CEO Jeff Randle said. “Joe’s strength in journalism and video production adds another dimension to our public relations and public affairs practices.”

As a multimedia account coordinator, Schutz will work with clients to bring the engaging element of video into their communications strategies.

“Joining Randle Communications allows me to continuously develop my creative and organizational skills. Randle’s commitment to excellence constantly pushes me to create projects of the highest quality,” Schutz said.

Schutz previously worked as an audio/visual intern with the Sacramento Kings, where he coordinated live and in-house production during NBA basketball games and other events at the Golden 1 Center. Schutz graduated from Cal Polytechnic State University in June 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.

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Digital Influencer Report Named a National Best Thought Leadership Campaign

Earlier this year, Randle Communications (Randle) released our second annual Digital Influencer Report detailing best practices for digital advocacy in California – and it made waves across the country.

We’re pleased to share our Digital Influencer Report won Best Thought Leadership Campaign from the Bulldog Stars of PR Awards.

It was named among campaigns with international reach and companies that operate on the global stage. If you haven’t already, you can read the Digital Influencer Report here.

This award is a testament to not only our industry-leading public affairs practice, but also the sheer influence Sacramento wields nationally. The success of our Digital Influencer Report stems from the innovative and progressive use of digital advocacy among California lawmakers, the Capitol press corps and advocates.

Randle remain committed to innovation and pushing the limits of public affairs – it’s one reason why we recently announced the promotion of our own Daniel Wetter to Digital Public Affairs Strategist. We know that digital advocacy is no longer optional and recognize the rapidly changing pace of communications.

Want to learn more about our winning public affairs practice? Let’s make change.

Randle Communications Promotes Daniel Wetter to New Role as Digital Public Affairs Strategist

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Randle Communications (Randle) President and CEO Jeff Randle today announced that Daniel Wetter has been promoted to Digital Public Affairs Strategist; a new role that recognizes the rapidly changing pace of digital advocacy. Since Wetter joined the firm in 2018, he has played a critical role building the firm’s proprietary digital practice, driving innovation across public affairs and public relations projects. In his new role as Digital Public Affairs Strategist, Wetter will lead public affairs accounts, while continuing to advance the firm’s digital advocacy services through cutting-edge technology and proven consumer tactics.

“Daniel Wetter is an exceptional digital public affairs practitioner and a big picture thinker who is a catalyst for innovation,” Jeff Randle said. “He has earned the promotion to Digital Public Affairs Strategist because of his commitment to the firm, to his teammates and to delivering exceptional client results. We are thrilled Daniel will be running our digital public affairs practice and helping to lead our firm for years to come.”

“Our team understands that digital advocacy is no longer optional,” Wetter said. “We know that clients benefit from responsive and expert use of digital platforms to reach key stakeholders and audiences. I’m excited and grateful for this new opportunity to support California’s best public affairs firm by continuing to raise the digital bar.”

As part of the Randle team, Wetter supports several public affairs clients, including the California Association of REALTORS®, California Pharmacists Association, California Hospital Association and the statewide Behavioral Health Action coalition. Wetter also drove strategy and execution of Randle’s second annual Digital Influencer Report at the start of 2019.

Prior to joining Randle, Wetter served in numerous roles providing communications support for members of the U.S. House of Representatives, political consulting firms, newsrooms and campaigns.

 

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Four Power of Positive Leadership Lessons to Energize and Motivate Your Team

By Julie Phillips, Vice President

 

Anybody who follows Randle Communications on social media understands we are “all-in” embracing Jon Gordon’s philosophy on positive leadership. We’ve built our company culture on positivity and a team-first approach, and we take great pride in not only talking the talk, but also walking the walk.

I recently had the opportunity to participate in-person at a Power of Positive training led by Mr. Gordon himself, and couldn’t wait to get to my computer to share the points that resonated most with me.

Any leader will agree that productivity peaks when a team is energized and motivated. Consider these tips to help raise your game and get the most out of your team.

1. Positivity isn’t a fluffy Pollyanna concept.

Research overwhelmingly supports that positive leadership and teams generate better results and outcomes. Here are some facts:

If the fulfillment and joy of positivity isn’t enough to convince you, then the business case for it should persuade you to adopt the mindset.

2. Change “Have to” to “Get to.”

Instead of approaching tasks as something you “have to” do, look at them as something you “get to” do. While mundane projects and activities in our daily lives may seem draining or burdensome, those daily opportunities are often blessings. Instead of saying, “I have to write this report,” change the perspective to “I get to write this report because our team nailed it and executed a flawless campaign! Our client is going to be thrilled when we can showcase these results. How amazing to work with a team on a project that matters.”

3. Talk to yourself vs. listen to yourself: Don’t allow fear to inhibit your growth and success.

Even those of us lucky enough to work with leaders and team members who believe in our abilities and support us can feel insecure or scared at times. Do I share this crazy idea with others? Am I experienced enough to make this presentation? Gordon’s guidance is to sharpen your mindset, so you have the tools to recognize negative self-talk and change it. Practice sharing positive affirmations.

4. Strive for connection.

If you want to cultivate a strong team and generate extraordinary results, you need to invest in your people. Connect with team members beyond your normal day-to-day activities. Show that you care through authentic connection. Over time, those relationships and the ongoing communication will foster trust and connection, which is essential to team performance.

While the idea of positive leadership isn’t new to us at Randle, this Power of Positive training session served as a catalyst to deepen our positive thinking and support for one another.

Alexis Polk Joins Growing Digital Practice at Randle Communications

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Randle Communications (Randle) today announced the hire of Alexis Polk as a digital account coordinator to support the company’s cutting-edge digital practice. The addition of Polk to the team reflects the firm’s commitment to recruiting talented professionals who are innovative and passionate about digital storytelling.

“We are excited to welcome Alexis to the team. Her strong digital experience and knowledge of the evolving industry offers tremendous value to our clients,” Randle President and CEO Jeff Randle said. “Alexis adds to our team of social media, creative and multimedia professionals who are driving digital to complement our traditional communications services.”

Prior to joining the Randle team, Polk gained valuable public relations, social media and marketing experience as a social and digital content coordinator for Cartography Consulting, as an assistant account executive at Intermark Group and as a social media specialist for her alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi. In 2015, Ketchum PR selected Polk as one of two Brand Practice Summer Fellows. The prestigious fellowship gave her the opportunity to work closely with seasoned practitioners in New York City and learn about developing relevant and engaging content, event coordination, hosting brainstorm sessions and pitching clients.

Polk will provide digital support to a wide range of Randle clients including Golden State Water Company, Liberty Utilities, California Pharmacists Association and DMB Development.

“Joining Team Randle and working with so many talented individuals is a dream come true,” Polk said. “This is an opportunity of a lifetime to leverage my talent to support Randle clients, while also learning new and innovative skills from my colleagues at the top PR firm in Sacramento.”

Polk earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations with emphases in social media and marketing from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2015.

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