J. Walcher Communications Announces New Ownership and Leadership Transition
Top San Diego PR Agency Founder Jean Walcher Names Long-Time Employee Sandy Young as New Owner
J. Walcher Communications (JWC), one of San Diego’s public relations and marketing communications agencies and a Forbes “Best PR Agencies in America” honoree, has announced a leadership transition. Sandy Young, a 16-year veteran of the firm and long-time vice president, is now the PR agency’s new CEO and owner.
Founder Jean Walcher will remain an integral part of the agency, supporting the leadership transition, serving clients and focusing on business development initiatives.
“I’ve gotten so much satisfaction from running J. Walcher Communications for the last 24 years, and I look forward to seeing where Sandy takes it next,” said Jean Walcher. “She’s been an effective right-hand and has played a pivotal role in mentoring staff, cultivating long-standing client relationships, and developing strategic communications and crisis management programs that have earned client and media respect and trust.”
The Agency’s Successful Track Record
J. Walcher Communications is one of San Diego’s longest-running and most respected public relations and marketing communications agencies. The team launches, builds, drives and brands organizations locally, regional and nationally. The firm’s full-service offerings include media relations and strategy, social and digital media, content creation, crisis communications, media training, Search Engine Optimization (SEO)/ Generative Search Optimization (GSO)/ Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), award and speaking coordination, influencer relations, branding and graphic design, and advertising.
The top PR agency has won numerous awards for its work from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), San Diego and Imperial Counties Chapter; San Diego Press Club; and One Club San Diego. Jean’s recognitions include the “Eva Irving Community Service Award” and “San Diego Women Who Mean Business,” and Young‘s accolades include the “Deborah Baker PR Pro of the Year” and “Asian Pacific Islander Leaders of Influence.”
“Jean’s leadership, authenticity and dedication to the core principles of the PR profession – no B.S., hard work, integrity, creativity, happy employees and client-first service – are to be admired and emulated,” said Young. “I’m honored to continue building on the legacy that Jean and Laura Walcher have created. Our team and clients are a testament to their dedication and impact embedded in our work ethic.”
A Legacy of Leadership
J. Walcher Communications was founded in 2001 by Jean Walcher, following in the footsteps of her mother, Laura Walcher – a trailblazer in San Diego’s public relations industry. Laura started San Diego’s first woman-owned PR firm and helped shape the field. She’s been recognized with multiple prestigious honors, including the 2002 Otto Bos Lifetime Achievement Award from PRSA and the Public Relations Professional of the Year in 1993 by the Public Relations Club of San Diego.
Jean began her PR career working for Laura Walcher Public Relations and went on to New York City, where she worked in PR agencies including Ruder Finn & Rotman. She spent eight years in Los Angeles working in film production and development and served five years at the American Council on Exercise as vice president of marketing and PR. She started J. Walcher Communications in 2001.
Agency Practices, Clients and Leadership
The PR agency is consistently recognized by clients and the media for its responsiveness, execution, and ability to generate measurable and meaningful results. JWC is proud to maintain numerous long-term client relationships and strong staff tenure.
J. Walcher Communications’ current and recent clients include Jewish Family Service of San Diego, Policy & Innovation Center, City Heights Community Development Corporation, Greystar, the Invictus Games San Diego 2029 bid, Comic-Con Museum, MVE + Partners, Circulate San Diego, the #WelcomeWithDignity Campaign and Bazaar del Mundo Restaurants and Shops.
Young has spent more than two decades exclusively working for boutique PR and marketing agencies in San Diego. She has also served as a freelance writer and regular speaker on PR, marketing, social media, networking and diversity. Young is known for her strategic mindset, innovative marketing campaigns and attentive client service.
The Future of PR
The J. Walcher Communications team drives clients’ success in the shifting media landscape and develops strategies that maximize their exposure across earned media (traditional print, broadcast, online and podcast formats), owned (website, blog, e-mail and newsletter content), shared (engagement on social media and review websites), and paid (traditional and digital advertising) platforms.
“We’re working with organizations now to help them better understand the benefits, effectiveness and risks of artificial intelligence (AI), GEO and GSO as part of their marketing campaigns,” added Young. “These tools make third party media coverage even more critical, as people begin to rely more heavily on zero-click searches (or Google AI overviews) and ask AI chatbots for recommendations.”
To learn more, visit www.jwalcher.com.
About J. Walcher Communications
Founded in 2001 and celebrating its 24th year in business this year, J. Walcher Communications represents a range of local, regional and national clients in hospitality and retail, real estate development, nonprofit and associations, arts and culture, sports and entertainment, professional services, consumer products and more. Services include media and community relations, social media, digital media, Search Engine Optimization (SEO)/ Generative Search Optimization (GSO)/ Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), branding and messaging, advertising, crisis communications, media training, and content creation. The company is listed by Forbes as one of the “Best PR Agencies” in the U.S.
For more information, visit www.jwalcher.com or follow on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.
