Diana Palacios Joins Southwest Strategies as Manager of Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO - April 28, 2015 - PRLog -- Southwest Strategies, a top ranked San Diego-based public affairs firm, announced today that Diana Palacios has joined its team as a Manager of Public Affairs.

Palacios is a seasoned communications and political strategist with a comprehensive background in public policy, land use and communications. She brings a decade of experience in government relations, legislative affairs, media relations, coalition advocacy, Latino outreach and crisis communications.

"Diana's skills and experience will be a tremendous asset to our company and will allow us to expand our capabilities going forward," said Southwest Strategies President Chris Wahl.

Prior to joining Southwest Strategies, Palacios served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Policy Director to San Diego City Councilman Scott Sherman where she oversaw legislative strategy and advised him on all policy matters. In 2012, she served as Director of Outreach to Councilman Carl DeMaio, where she focused on bi-national affairs and open government policy initiatives.

In addition to her municipal policy experience, Palacios previously worked for U.S. Senator John Cornyn (TX). During her tenure with the Senator, she worked on a broad range of issues including immigration, labor and workforce relations and foreign policy. She started her career as an intern to U.S. Treasury Secretary John W. Snow.

Palacios has worked as a communications and research consultant on several national and local political campaigns. Her nationally recognized research earned her an American Association of Political Consultants Pollie Award in 2014.

Palacios sits on the Board of Directors of the Women's Museum of California, and is a member of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association and the Lincoln Club of San Diego County. She is bilingual and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Political Science.

"We are very excited to add Diana to our team, as we look toward future growth for the firm," said Southwest Strategies Chairman Alan Ziegaus.

In her new role, Palacios will be responsible for overseeing major energy and infrastructure projects for Southwest Strategies' public utilities clients and providing strategic guidance to corporate clients seeking approvals from municipalities.

About Southwest Strategies

San Diego-based 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 3 public relations firms. Alan Ziegaus and Chris Wahl formed Southwest Strategies in April 2000. For more information, visit www.swspr.com.