Tanya Mannes Castaneda, APR, Principal

Tanya holds the Accreditation in Public Relations credential and was named California Communicator of the Year by the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO). She is certified in Executive Branding by The Communications Board.

With special expertise in media coverage of litigation, Tanya is a trusted adviser in crisis communications for public agencies whose reputations are under threat. Tanya has advised clients on a range of sensitive situations – from enterprise-wide ransomware attacks and infrastructure funding disputes, to employee misconduct and federal investigations.

Tanya has developed strategic communications plans for county and municipal governments, public agencies and special districts; large community associations; and development projects including a $3.5 billion waterfront redevelopment. Her work has been recognized with awards from the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, CAPIO, Public Relations Society of America San Diego-Imperial Counties, American Association of Port Authorities and others. She has presented at international and statewide conferences and attorneys' forums, and serves as a career mentor through PRSA.

Formerly a news reporter at leading regional newspapers across the U.S., she later transitioned into the public sector, serving as Public Information Officer for the Port of San Diego.

Dedicated to serving her community, she has provided services at no cost to numerous nonprofits. She is a current member of the San Diego Blood Bank Board of Directors and the San Diego Press Club Board of Directors, and a past Treasurer of the Society of Professional Journalists San Diego. She lives with her husband and two children in Chula Vista, California.