Former Congressional Staffer Joins Southwest Strategies

SAN DIEGO - Nov. 7, 2013 - PRLog -- Oscar Urteaga has been hired as a Senior Account Executive at Southwest Strategies, a leading San Diego public affairs and public relations agency.

Urteaga brings five years of experience working in political and legislative affairs to his new role at the firm. He will use his knowledge of government relations, legislative affairs and coalition building to work on a variety of accounts.

Prior to joining Southwest Strategies, Urteaga was a Legislative Assistant for United States Congressman Howard P. "Buck" McKeon. During his time on Capitol Hill, Urteaga advised and made policy recommendations for legislation involving financial services, small business regulations, housing, healthcare, social security, immigration, commerce, animal welfare and intellectual property. In the 113th Congress, he spearheaded the introduction of two pieces of legislation: H.R. 1997, known as the Communities Achieving Sustainability Act (CASA), and H.R. 1998, the Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act. Of Peruvian decent, Urteaga handled all Hispanic/Latino outreach and translated the Congressman's official website into Spanish.

"Oscar's wide skill set and knowledge of the government process, at the federal, state and local levels, will benefit Southwest Strategies," said Chris Wahl, the company's president. "His background will expand our government relations expertise and allow us to continue providing a high level of service to our clients."

As a San Diego native, Urteaga brings a wide variety of experience to Southwest Strategies. He began his career working for several elected officials and political campaigns, including former California State Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher, former California State Insurance Commissioner and Gubernatorial candidate Steve Poizner and the 2010 California Statewide "No on Proposition 24" campaign. He also volunteered in a leadership capacity with the National Republican Congressional Committee's "Rolling Surge" program.

Urteaga completed his undergraduate work at San Diego State University earning a degree in public administration. He also has a Certificate of Completion from El Sol Escuela de Español, the only Spanish language school in Lima approved by the Peruvian Ministry of Education. He is also a monthly political guest on the Break Radio Show and Blog Talk Radio station (AM 1480 KPHX).

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.