Jessica Padilla Bowen is a senior associate at Katherine Padilla & Associates (KPA), bringing more than 20 years of experience in government and nonprofit communication, project management, and community engagement. 

Since joining KPA in 2020, she has led complex community relations efforts for high-profile projects, including the Re-envisioning Whiteman Airport initiative for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. In this role, Jessica facilitated 17 Community Advisory Committee meetings and coordinated multiple open houses and a town hall to gather input from hundreds of community members on sensitive issues related to airport safety, noise, and environmental concerns. Her leadership ensured civil, productive dialogue and helped shape recommendations presented to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. 

Additionally, Jessica supports major public agency projects for Metro, the City of Los Angeles, and Glendale Water and Power, among others. She provides strategic communication, stakeholder and community engagement, and facilitation expertise to advance community-focused initiatives.

Prior to KPA, Jessica spent nearly 16 years with the City of Carlsbad, where she managed communication for departments such as Community & Economic Development, Public Works, Fire, and Library & Cultural Arts. She also served as a Public Information Officer in the city’s Emergency Operations Center, attending regular crisis communication trainings.

Her career began in nonprofit arts communication, where she spent six years with La Jolla Playhouse and Geffen Playhouse, overseeing media relations and coordinating hundreds of interviews across television, print, and radio.

Jessica holds a Master of Public Administration from San Diego State University and a Bachelor of Arts from Occidental College. She is certified in public participation (IAP2), accredited in public relations (APR), and is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation.

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