News
Jeff Randle named to California Trailblazers Board of Directors
April 23, 2012
California Trailblazers today announced its Board of Directors, which will work with advisors Rep. Kevin McCarthy, Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff, Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway, and CEO Jessica Patterson to support a new generation of Republican leaders. The Board will be responsible for directing all aspects of the program including spending decisions and determining which candidates graduate to each of the three levels of the Trailblazers program.
“Just as we did with our Young Guns program, California Trailblazers will train candidates to become stronger candidates ready to bring fiscal discipline back to Sacramento,” said House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy. “Along with Leaders Conway and Huff, our Board of Directors will ensure that the most qualified Republican candidates work their way through the program so they are ready to win in November and lead on Day One.”
Kate Gregg Larkin, Chair
Kate Gregg Larkin is an attorney and the Executive Director of LA Loves You, a non-profit focused on engaging young professionals in charitable giving. Before that, she helped launch Share Magnet, a Los Angeles based social marketing company. Prior to moving to Los Angeles, Larkin spent five years on Capitol Hill. During that time, she worked for the House Committee on Government Reform, Congressman Tom Davis (VA-11), and Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-32). Larkin served as Congressman Sessions’ Legislative Assistant and Associate to the House Budget Committee. She also worked as a political fundraiser, helping raise millions of dollars for candidates in competitive congressional races. Larkin graduated magna cum laude from Duke University. She holds a J.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles and is licensed to practice law in the state of California.
Russ Johnson, C.F.O.
Russ Johnson is currently a partner with KPLJ Ventures. From May 1998 through September 2000 Johnson served as the Senior Vice-President of Global Sales and Marketing for JDS Uniphase. Prior to joining JDS Uniphase, Johnson spent over twenty years with the Hewlett Packard Company (now Agilent Technologies) in a variety of marketing, operational, and international business roles. In 1986, he was the founding manager of the HP Asia Pacific Marketing Center in Hong Kong. Johnson was a Bush Team 100 member and serves on the Lincoln Club of Northern California Board of Directors. Johnson has a BSEE from New Mexico State University and an MBA from Purdue University.
Jeff Randle, Member
Jeff Randle is President and CEO of Randle Communications, ranked by the Sacramento Business Journal as the fourth largest Public Relations and Public Affairs firm in Sacramento. He currently is a Senior Advisor to Governor Mitt Romney’s Presidential campaign in California. Previously he served as a senior advisor to Meg Whitman’s 2010 gubernatorial campaign, political advisor to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger from 2002 - 2006, and as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Pete Wilson from 1991 - 1998. Randle also was Executive Vice President of Stoorza Communications and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Chris Wysocki, Secretary
Christopher Wysocki currently serves as the Republican Caucus Political Director. He previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate Republican Caucus, Director of Member Services for the California Assembly Republican Caucus and Deputy Chief of Staff and Political Director for Assembly Republican Leaders Jim Brulte in 1994 and Bill Leonard in 1998. Wysocki was a partner in a Sacramento political consulting firm and President of a national small business advocacy organization. Wysocki holds a political science degree from the University of California, Los Angeles.
The mission of California Trailblazers is to recruit, train and advise a new generation of fiscally conservative leaders to win legislative seats in 2012 and beyond. California Trailblazers is modeled after the National Republican Congressional Committee’s successful Young Guns program.
Congressional Majority Whip and Young Guns Founder Kevin McCarthy and Republican legislative leaders Senator Bob Huff and Assemblywoman Connie Conway are advisors to the California Trailblazers program.
With new district lines and an open primary, the California Republican leadership is taking action to capitalize on California’s unique political landscape. California Trailblazers is training candidates and requiring them to meet specific benchmarks to graduate through three different levels of the program.
Similar to the Young Guns program, once candidates meet metrics specifically designed for their race, they will advance to “Pathfinder,” “Rising Star,” and ultimately “Trailblazer.” These goals will focus on campaign infrastructure, grassroots support, fundraising, and more.
In addition to the rigorous goals set by the three-tier framework, the California Trailblazer program provides resources of ongoing education and training for candidates to learn campaign fundamentals. Throughout the campaign cycle, the California Trailblazers program will provide ongoing education through fundraisers, coalition-building experts, media training and issue briefings give candidates the tools they need to win.
Jeff Randle joins Romney for President as Senior Adviser for California
April 19, 2012
Boston, MA – Romney for President today announced that Jeff Randle will serve as a Senior Adviser to his California campaign.
“Jeff Randle is one of California’s most respected and accomplished political leaders, and his expertise is critical as we work to highlight Mitt Romney’s vision for the Golden State,” said Romney for President Political Director Rich Beeson. “Jeff has more than 25 years of experience running and winning statewide elections. His insight and savvy will be invaluable as we work to defeat President Obama, elect Mitt Romney and fundamentally change the direction of our country.”
“I am honored to be part of what is an incredibly organized, focused and determined campaign team,” Randle said. “The team reflects Mitt Romney’s leadership and mirrors his focus on building a winning organization that is primed to win the general election. Mitt Romney is the right leader at a critical time in American history. I look forward to working together with Mitt and the team to win in November and bring real change to our great nation.”
GOP Leaders Launch 2012 California Republican National Convention Delegation Committee
“Countdown to Tampa Bay and a Winning Republican Ticket”
SACRAMENTO – California Republicans will send the largest and most diverse delegation to Tampa Bay, Florida in August to nominate the next President and Vice President of the United States of America. This effort begins today with the formation of the official California 2012 Republican National Convention Delegation Committee. Former Governor Pete Wilson, House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Congressman Darrell Issa and former Secretary of State Bill Jones will serve as Honorary Co-Chairmen of the committee that will ensure Golden State delegates from 53 congressional districts can champion a Republican vision to restore America’s economy, cut unemployment and put our nation back on the right track to prosperity and global leadership. A committee previously announced by the California Republican Party has been merged into this new committee.
“America desperately needs Republican leadership in the Executive Branch of government to reverse the unprecedented and utterly irresponsible borrowing, taxing and spending of the Obama administration,” Governor Wilson said. “The California Republican Delegation will represent the Golden State, unified in the need to rescue this great nation from the tragedy of a second Obama term that threatens grave and perhaps irreparable harm to both our economy and our national security.”
Veteran GOP strategists Jeff Randle and Tony Russo will serve as pro-bono Senior Advisors to the Committee. Don Willett will be the Chief Operating Officer; Charles Bell will serve as Legal Counsel; Kathy Tavoularis is Executive Director and Molly Parnell will be a senior finance consultant. The Committee will manage operations, programs and logistics for the California Delegation including fundraising, events, operations, communications, and accommodations for the nation’s largest delegation. It will also coordinate with the California Republican Party, the Republican National Committee, the Tampa Bay Host Committee and all Presidential campaigns, including the eventual Republican Nominee for President and Vice President.
“Building a strong organization will ensure that we can execute a winning game plan to expand our majority in the House of Representatives, take the United States Senate and elect a Republican President that will help create private sector jobs and American prosperity,” House Majority Whip McCarthy said.
“A strong California Delegation will be the catalyst for a successful GOP convention that highlights a winning Republican vision for America. President Obama has failed on every level, spending money, destroying our credibility and jeopardizing our future. It is our responsibility to elect a new President and Vice President that will put America back on track,” Congressman Issa said.
“The California Republican Party is pleased to work with these distinguished Republican leaders to form the official delegation committee. We will work closely with grass roots volunteers and elected officials around the state to support the Republican Presidential nominee and ensure President Obama does not win a second term,” California Republican Party Chairman Tom Del Beccaro said.
“California’s diversity reflects the best of American ideals, and the Republican Party represents the policies we need to support job creation, innovation and optimism for the future. Our 2012 Republican Delegation will play a decisive role in the campaign and election of a new Republican President,” Secretary Jones said.
The Committee has launched a website at CaRNC12.com to provide more information. The California Delegation is an independent legal entity and does not share any staff, financial resources or policy controls with any other entity. The delegation will have legal contracts with entities to fulfill certain obligations, including funding, transportation, leased facilities, security, housing, hotels and venues among other things.
Jeff Randle in Sacramento Bee: GOP needs new playbook to rebound in California
Randle Communications President and CEO Jeff Randle outlines how a Republican resurgence is possible in California if it changes its playbook and can effectively reach voters, in an opinion editorial in the Sacramento Bee. Read More
Kevin Riggs Receives Another Prestigious Journalism Award
Kevin Riggs was honored with a news award from the Radio-Television News Directors Association of Northern California. He received the award for a special news program “Brown, Whitman One-On-One” which aired during the 2010 California Gubernatorial Campaign. Read More
Randle Communications recognized as an A+ Employer for second year in a row
Randle Communications was once again recognized as one of the top three employers in the “Micro” category (10-25 employees) at the Sacramento Business Journal’s Employees Choice Awards on November 8, 2011. Of the more than 20 companies that were nominated in this category, 10 were selected as finalists. Selection criteria was based on employer ratings in a number of categories in anonymous surveys completed by staff, assessing the level of employee support, teamwork and positive work environment of participating firms. The results were compiled as part of an independent, online employee survey conducted by Quantum Workplace, a nationally prominent firm.
Rob Sharp Joins Randle Communications as an Account Executive
SACRAMENTO – Randle Communications (Randle), one of Sacramento’s leading public relations and public affairs firms, announced the hiring of Rob Sharp as an Account Executive. This announcement reflects Randle’s commitment to hiring talented individuals who share a commitment to teamwork, high standards and delivering exemplary client work.
Sharp returns to Randle Communications after serving as an intern with the firm during the summer of 2006. In the interim, Sharp graduated with honors from U.C. Berkeley, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Notre Dame Law School in South Bend, Indiana. While in law school, Sharp served as an aide to Judge Barbara Kronlund of the San Joaquin Superior Court, and as an attorney for the United States Department of Justice at the U.S. Embassy in London. After graduation, Sharp held a research fellowship at the El Dorado & Yolo County Law Libraries.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Rob back to the Randle team,” Randle President and CEO Jeff Randle said. “Rob’s strong educational background provides a unique perspective and fresh insights to our team. His technical knowledge of law combined with growing expertise in issues related to water policy, labor law, and government will make him an invaluable resource for our public relations and public affairs clients.”
Randle recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and the addition of award-winning reporter and renowned political journalist Kevin Riggs as Senior Vice President. The firm’s growth over the last year dictated its most recent hire and upholds the firm’s unparalleled commitment to client service.
Randle Communications was founded in 2001 by Jeff Randle and Mitch Zak and offers an array of services including strategic planning, media and public relations, public affairs/government relations, marketing, research, grassroots coalition building, crisis management and campaign management. Recognized as an A+ Employer by the Sacramento Business Journal at its 2011 and 2010 Employees Choice Awards, Randle clients include University of Phoenix, California Association of REALTORS®, Golden State Water Company, San Francisco Bar Pilots, Brown Construction, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, California Chamber of Commerce, Stanford Home for Children, California Earthquake Authority, mPOWER Placer, California Family Fitness, Placer County Transportation Planning Agency, Solar Gard® and the Building Industry Association of Riverside County.
RANDLE SVP and political expert Kevin Riggs shares insight on Obama's California visit with KCRA
Kevin Riggs has covered every American President since Ronald Reagan. He knows politics and how California plays into the national equation. Here’s why he thinks President Obama came to California. Watch Now
Meg Whitman, former eBay CEO to lead HP
Hewlett-Packard appointed a phenomenal leader this week, and as Jeff Randle said, “she loves, loves, loves a challenge.” Read More
Kevin Riggs Honored on Senate Floor
On July 11, 2011, Kevin Riggs was presented with a resolution from Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg. The former KCRA news reporter was honored for his outstanding contribution and commitment to California political journalism. Watch Now
Riggs interviewed by former Sheriff John McGinness on KFBK
Former Sacramento County Sheriff John McGinness hosted Randle Communications’ Kevin Riggs on his new KFBK radio show. The interview covered the changing face of California’s Capitol Press Corps, dwindling political coverage at the Capitol and RIggs’ new job. Hear More
Randle, Riggs make appearance in Carla Marinucci's Spin Cycle
SF Chronicle reporter Carla Marinucci recently teased KCRA’s three part series on Meg Whitman in her “The Spin Cycle” blog. In her post, she gave a shout-out to “top political consultant” Jeff Randle and “renowned former KCRA reporter” Kevin Riggs. Who are we to disagree? Read More
Kevin Riggs Shares Insights and Perspectives in Capital Public Radio Interview
Randle’s Senior Vice President Kevin Riggs reflected on his 30 years as a political reporter, sharing his insights and perspectives on a changing industry in a recent Capital Public Radio interview. Hear More
Top of the List: Public Relations Agencies
Randle Communications is pleased to announce that it is once again near the top of the Sacramento Business Journal ranking of public relations firms in the region. The firm maintains its “top five” status, ranking fourth among the local, national and global firms. 2011 is also the 10th Anniversary of the business. Company Founder Jeff Randle notes that success is result of a tremendous team of employees, great client-partners and a commitment to delivering the best results for corporate, non-profit and political organizations. Read More
Kevin Riggs Joins Randle Communications As Senior Vice President
SACRAMENTO – Randle Communications (Randle), Sacramento’s second ranked public relations firm, today announced that Kevin Riggs is joining the firm as Senior Vice President. Riggs is an award-winning reporter and stands among California’s top political journalists during a career that spans four decades. He will play a leadership role in the firm’s strategic communications, media relations and business development initiatives. Riggs will also oversee the firm’s proprietary media training program, which is designed and customized to meet the needs of spokespersons and leaders in government, politics, business, trade association and nonprofit sectors.
“Randle Communications strives to be the best, and Kevin Riggs is the gold standard of broadcast journalism, public policy and communications expertise,” Randle President & CEO Jeff Randle said. “As the firm celebrates its 10th Anniversary, Kevin’s addition reflects our commitment to being a company that delivers quality, creativity and success to business, non-profit, government and political clients.”
Since 1994, Riggs has worked for Sacramento’s NBC affiliate KCRA TV, serving as a general assignment reporter, anchor and the lead for politics and the State Capitol. He has covered many historic national events including the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, 1999 Columbine shootings, and 2000 Florida presidential ballot standoff. Riggs has led election and campaign coverage of the New Hampshire primary as well as the GOP and Democratic national political conventions. From 1984 to 1994 he worked for Fresno’s ABC affiliate KFSN TV, and from 1981 to 1984 he was the bureau chief for Santa Barbara’s CBS affiliate KCOY TV. In Santa Barbara, Riggs covered former President Ronald Reagan. From 1979 to 1981 he was news director with Santa Barbara’s KTMS Radio and from 1977 to 1979 he served as a reporter for San Luis Obispo’s KATY Radio.
Riggs has been recognized with numerous awards for broadcast excellence including being part of the KCRA team that was just awarded the 2011 Edward R. Murrow Award by the Radio Television Digital News Association for breaking news coverage of the Galleria fire. He also earned top honors for political coverage in 1996, 2000 and 2006 from the Center for California Studies at CSU Sacramento. In 1992, Riggs earned an Associated Press award for best documentary in a statewide competition. He also serves on the Alumni Advisory Board for the journalism department at his alma mater, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
“I never imagined that I would leave the news business, but the opportunity to use my skills in a new way with a dynamic communications team is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Riggs said. “Randle Communications is one of California’s most respected firms. My goal is to join a great team and make it even better.”
Randle Communications was founded in 2001 by Jeff Randle and Mitch Zak and offers an array of services including strategic planning, media and public relations, public affairs/government relations, marketing, research, grassroots coalition building, crisis management and campaign management. Recognized as an A+ Employer by the Sacramento Business Journal at its 2010 Employees Choice Awards, Randle clients include University of Phoenix, Kern County Water Agency, California Association of REALTORS®, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Golden State Water Company, California Family Fitness, Placer County Transportation Planning Agency, SolarGard® and the Building Industry Association of Riverside County.
Randle Communications Promotes Christina Kiefer and Justin Dyke
Randle Communications (Randle), Sacramento’s second largest public relations firm is pleased to announce two promotions. Christina Kiefer has been appointed Account Manager and Justin Dyke Account Coordinator. These achievements reflect Randle’s commitment to recognize and reward employees for teamwork, professionalism, and superior client service.
“Randle Communications takes pride in rewarding outstanding performance and promoting from within,” Randle President Jeff Randle said. “Christina Kiefer and Justin Dyke have proven themselves by serving Randle Communications’ clients with the highest degree of professionalism. They personify the company’s team oriented culture and have played a major role in helping the firm become one of the best in California.”
Christina Kiefer of Sacramento has been promoted to Account Manager. Kiefer joined the Randle Communications team in 2006. As an Account Manager, she joins the firm’s management team, while also leading accounts including University of Phoenix, the Sierra Nevada Conservancy and California Family Fitness, which recently received a Gold CAPPIE award from the Sacramento Public Relations Association for writing. Additionally, Kiefer leads the firm’s social media practice.
Kiefer graduated from California State University, Sacramento, in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, with a concentration in Public Relations. She is currently a member of the Sacramento Public Relations Association (SPRA) Board of Directors where she serves as the chair for the Association’s student career and networking day.
Justin Dyke, also of Sacramento, has been promoted to Account Coordinator. Dyke joined the Randle Communications team in 2010. As an Account Coordinator, he provides project support for several Randle clients including University of Phoenix, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Kern County Water Agency, Enel Green Power, and the Riverside County Chapter of the Building Industry Association.
Dyke graduated from the University of California Davis with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication in June 2009. He is currently a member of the Sacramento Public Relations Association (SPRA), and in his spare time volunteers for the Association’s Membership Committee.
Randle Communications was founded in 2001 by Jeff Randle and Mitch Zak and offers an array of services including strategic planning, media and public relations, public affairs/government relations, marketing, research, grassroots coalition building, crisis management and campaign management. Recognized as an A+ Employer by the Sacramento Business Journal at its 2010 Employees Choice Awards, Randle clients include major statewide trade associations, national corporations, regional and local government agencies and selected political leaders.
Jeff Randle named to Capitol Weekly's Top 100 List
Capitol Weekly named Jeff Randle to its 2010 Top 100 List, ranking him 37th among California’s most influential policy and political leaders. Capitol Weekly writes: “Randle has been around California politics for more than 20 years. As a veteran of the Pete Wilson and Arnold Schwarzenegger campaigns, he has risen among the ranks of trusted insiders to Republican governors. And if there are bonus points for being there early, Randle gets them for being the first consultant Meg Whitman reached out to. It was Randle who prepared the op-research dossier against Whitman to test her political mettle, and he continues to be active in the day-to-day operations of the Whitman campaign.”
Jeff Randle named one of California's Top 100 Political Influencers
Campaigns & Elections magazine has named Jeff Randle, President of Randle Communications, one of California’s top 100 political influencers in the November/December 2010 issue . The magazine, dedicated to educating, informing and connecting all those who touch politics, produces a regular feature called California Influencers, a listing of the hundred most important opinion brokers in The Golden State.
Meg Whitman wins the Republican Nomination for Governor!
June 8, 2010 - Randle Client Meg Whitman wins the Republican Nomination for Governor!
