Joel is a seasoned integrated communications professional with over a decade of experience in journalism, public relations, and marketing. He is the director of Hey Salty, an independent communications agency in Kern County. Joel provides strategic guidance to a diverse range of entities, including nonprofits and small businesses. His expertise lies in strategic communication, project management, and community engagement, enabling him to deliver impactful results that help grow the Central Valley's economy.Joel's strong commitment to the Kern County community is the foundation of his professional undertakings. He adheres to the highest ethical standards in his role as the president of the PRSA-Central California Chapter and the PRSSA-California State University, Bakersfield professional advisor. His commitment to supporting and guiding emerging professionals is clearly demonstrated through his enthusiastic involvement in numerous community initiatives and his position as the chair of the advisory committee for the Greater Bakersfield Chamber's Leadership Bakersfield program.Before his current role, Joel served as a Digital Account Executive at Porter Novelli, a global public relations agency, where he managed account services for prominent international brands and internationally recognized accounts in healthcare, food, and agriculture. A California State University, Northridge graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism Communication, Joel not only dedicates himself to his professional pursuits but also extends his efforts to mentoring, volunteering, and contributing to nonprofit organizations such as The Bakersfield Symphony, White Wolf Wellness Foundation, The Apple Core Project, and First 5 Kern. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, running marathons, and practicing yoga.