Southwest Strategies Promotes Three Team Members

SAN DIEGO - Oct. 10, 2013 - PRLog -- Southwest Strategies continues to distinguish itself in the public affairs field as it promotes three team members in order to better serve clients.

Jessica Luternauer, promoted to Director of Public Affairs, continues to utilize her experience in large-scale outreach campaigns for clients in the energy, retail and shipbuilding and ship repair industries. Since joining Southwest Strategies in 2007, Luternauer has worked diligently to secure key project approvals for her clients. She brings her dedication, communication skills and attention to detail to large clients like San Diego Gas & Electric, Westfield and the San Diego Ship Repair Association.

"Jessica's experience with grassroots outreach and detail-oriented outlook are critical to maintaining our client accounts at the level we expect," said Chris Wahl, the company's president. "I know that she will continue to provide valuable oversight on important projects, ensuring that we are meeting all of our client's needs."

As Director of Public Affairs, Luternauer will continue to support clients in a variety of ways, including securing land use entitlements, organizing coalitions and implementing long-term outreach efforts.

A member of the Public Relations Society of America and the Lincoln Club of San Diego County, Luternauer graduated Phi Beta Kappa with high honors from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a degree in English. She subsequently earned a master's degree in literature from the University of California, San Diego, where she taught composition, grammar and persuasive writing techniques in the Revelle Humanities and Sixth College writing programs for four years.

In addition to Luternauer, Emily Fulkerson has been promoted to Manager of Public Affairs. Fulkerson's public affairs experience and knowledge of her clients' business enable her to coordinate important projects for the firm. Fulkerson plays a crucial role in event coordination, strategic planning and relationship management for many clients, including Walmart.

"Emily's ability to juggle various tasks and produce quality work under tight deadlines is what makes her so valuable to our clients," said Southwest Strategies CEO Alan Ziegaus. "Our clients have come to trust her counsel, and we expect her to continue to help Southwest Strategies provide unrivaled service to our clients."

Before joining Southwest Strategies in 2005, Fulkerson worked as a communications coordinator for a multi-billion dollar Fortune 500 company in San Diego. Fulkerson graduated from Mt. Holyoke College, a top liberal arts college on the East Coast, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Communications. Additionally, Fulkerson sits of the Board of Directors for Move San Diego – a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of San Diego's environment through the design of sustainable transportation, smart transit and improved infrastructure.

Wesley Jones has also been promoted to Senior Account Executive. Since 2011, Jones has provided high quality service to various Southwest Strategies' clients. His background in political affairs, combined with his extensive knowledge of the San Diego region, has made him a vital asset for clients like Caltrans and the San Diego Association of Governments.

"Wes' detailed knowledge of the San Diego area provides valuable perspective to the large projects on which he works," said Wahl. "He is able to help plan the day-to-day operations while never losing sight of the big picture, something our clients appreciate."

Jones' graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a degree in political science. Prior to joining Southwest Strategies, Jones gained experience in local politics by working on San Diego campaigns. He also interned with Koch Companies Public Sector LLC in Washington, D.C., where he garnered extensive knowledge of national politics.

About Southwest Strategies

Southwest Strategies offers a full range of communications and strategic services for a diverse client list. The firm's services include public affairs, community relations, crisis communications, public relations, media relations and government affairs. The company has been ranked by the San Diego Business Journal as one of San Diego's top 10 public relations firms. Alan Ziegaus and Chris Wahl formed Southwest Strategies in April 2000.