SACRAMENTO – Sacramento’s top-ranked public relations and public affairs firm, Randle Communications (Randle), today announced that Mike Gazda has been promoted to the firm’s senior leadership team as a director. Gazda joined Randle Communications in 2013, after 15 years as a communications executive in professional baseball. He helps lead Randle’s public relations practice and specializes in water and electric utility customer education programs.
“Mike is an excellent strategist and media relations expert who has done an exceptional job managing Randle Communications’ utility clients,” Randle President and CEO Jeff Randle said. “We are pleased to recognize Mike’s achievements with promotion to director. His commitment and contributions as a leader with our organization will benefit clients, his colleagues and the firm.”
Gazda leads a talented team that provides customer education for Golden State Water Company, Liberty Utilities in California and Bear Valley Electric Service. The outreach programs are designed to inform, educate and improve engagement with customers, stakeholders and local media.
“There is no better public relations and public affairs team than Randle Communications, and I enjoy working with professionals who share a passion to perform at the highest level,” said Gazda. “I appreciate the opportunity I’ve been given to help lead Randle’s public relations practice, grow our utility practice and work with great clients.”
Prior to joining Randle, Gazda spent nearly two decades in professional baseball, building and executing media relations and crisis communications programs for regional, national and global audiences. During nine seasons in Major League Baseball, he worked with several of the world’s most recognized professional athletes including Bryce Harper, Stephen Strasburg, Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez and Miguel Cabrera—to successfully navigate a diverse array of challenging issues. Gazda helped open Nationals Park and served as media relations director for the Washington Nationals from 2008-13, after three seasons as media relations manager for the Miami Marlins.
Gazda has Sacramento roots in professional baseball. He led the Sacramento River Cats’ communications program during the team’s first five seasons (2000-2004) and played a key role in the Grand Opening of Raley Field. Gazda helped establish the iconic River Cats brand and position the organization as one of the premier franchises in minor league sports.
Gazda remains active in the baseball community, serving as a coach and board member with Elk Grove Youth Baseball. A native of Pittsburgh, Gazda earned a journalism degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.