SACRAMENTO – Randle Communications (Randle), one of Sacramento’s top-ranked strategic communications firms, announced today that Mike Gazda has earned a promotion to Vice President, Utility Practice. Since joining the firm in 2013, he has helped lead Randle’s growth into a premier communications advisor to state-regulated utilities in California and throughout the Western United States. During this time, he has led a team that supports water, wastewater and electric utility clients, providing strategic guidance and full-service communications support. In his new role as Vice President, he will be responsible for the health and growth of Randle’s utility practice and continue to play a key role as part of the firm’s Leadership Team.
“Mike Gazda has become one of California’s top utility experts, understanding how to communicate complex water and electric utility information to customers, regulators and the media,” Jeff Randle, Randle Communications President and CEO said. “He is meticulous and strategic, blending traditional public outreach with cutting-edge digital media to help major utilities reach customers. Mike is the leader we need to grow the utility communications practice, ensuring our clients stay at the forefront of the industry.”
Gazda leads several of the firm’s high-profile clients, including Golden State Water Company, Liberty Utilities and Bear Valley Electric Service. He specializes in customer, stakeholder and internal communications, using video and digital tools alongside earned media and executive positioning to tell meaningful stories that inform about clean water, reliable power and well-maintained infrastructure. He has also led the firm’s work to create a Public Safety Power Shutoff communications framework to protect communities should wildfire or disaster strike.
“I’m honored by this recognition and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead working with our team to continue delivering extraordinary results for our amazing clients,” Gazda said. “The culture at Randle Communications is unrivaled, and it’s a privilege to work with this team of innovators and professionals.”
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 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 as well. 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 what is now Sutter Health Park. 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.