Sometimes reaching your destination means making moves that seem to be on different paths. That's what Brandon Hernandez has been consciously doing as he's built his career in Public Affairs while also volunteering his time and leadership within important nonprofit organizations. The journey hasn't always been easy or stress-free, but it has been rewarding.
In this episode, Brandon shares how and why he made moves throughout his career including how he managed through high-profile incidents that occurred at PG&E while he was there: an explosion in San Bruno and some of the largest wildfires in California history. He also shares why serving on the Board of two non-profits has been important for him personally and professionally. It's an inspirational story told with compassion.
Meet the Guest
Brandon J. Hernandez, Founder & Principal, Reforma Strategies
Brandon is an award-winning communications leader, executive advisor, and political consultant with strong expertise in how to successfully navigate California’s political, legislative, and business landscape. Leveraging in-depth knowledge of both the public and private sectors, Mr. Hernandez advises corporations, non-profits, and political campaigns to succeed at the state and local levels. He has been named a “Top 20 Under 40” Environmental Leader by a leading San Francisco Bay Area publication, received multiple national awards for a groundbreaking Spanish language environmental campaign, and has been honored by then San Francisco Mayor and leading LGBTQ organizations for his leadership on LGBTQ issues.
As the Founder and Principal of Reforma Strategies, Brandon Hernandez directs world-class client solutions in the areas of Political Strategy, Public Affairs, Media Relations, Government Relations, Reputation Management and Issue Advocacy. Regardless of the industry or challenge, he has helped organizations move past complicated events, protect reputations, and prepare for media and legislative appearances. With extensive insights, connections, and strategic leadership experience, Brandon helps companies establish or expand business operations in California, representing the fifth-largest economy in the world.
For 13 years, Brandon served at PG&E most recently as Senior Director for External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives. In this role, he led a statewide team and oversaw legislative policy, collaborated with stakeholders and government agencies, and organized public affairs activities across the State and nation. He spearheaded PG&E’s strategic rollout of more than $6B in capital investments across Northern California, established the first Zero Net Energy substation in the United States, and led a partnership to make San Francisco the greenest city in America. Previously, Brandon worked as a policy advisor for the California State Assembly Speaker, managed Public Affairs for the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco and was lead for various corporate and political clients at a leading media and political consulting firm.
