Heather Sumagaysay, left, and Natalie Hernandez. Photo courtesy of: PRSA California Gold Coast Chapter
VENTURA — The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) California Gold Coast Chapter has named Heather Sumagaysay as its 2025 PR Professional of the Year, recognizing her two decades of leadership, innovation, and service in public sector communications.
With a career spanning government affairs, civic engagement, emergency response, public safety, and community relations, Sumagaysay has established herself as a trusted leader and advocate for transparent, inclusive, and strategic communications. Her work has guided county and city organizations through high-profile incidents and campaigns, including the Thomas and Hill/Woolsey Fires, response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the X Games.
“Heather brings both expertise in communications and strength in leadership to every role she takes on,” said PRSA California Gold Coast President Natalie Hernandez. “Equally important is her deep commitment to giving back – through mentorship, professional development, and advancing the practice of public information. Her dedication and passion for the field have made a lasting difference for her colleagues and the community.”
Sumagaysay currently serves as the Deputy City Manager for the City of Simi Valley, where she oversees communications, media relations, legislative and governmental affairs, while supporting departments with technology initiatives, public safety priorities, grant programs, and operational management. She has also held leadership roles with the cities of Ventura, Santa Clarita, and Beverly Hills, as well as the Ventura County Fire Department. She holds a master’s degree from The George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University. In the community, she serves on the boards of the Ventura County Credit Union and the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation.
“It’s an honor to be named PR Professional of the Year. For more than 20 years, public service has been both my career and my calling, and this recognition is both humbling and energizing,” said Heather Sumagaysay, Deputy City Manager. “I share this honor with the mentors who pushed me, the colleagues who challenged me, and the communities I’ve been privileged to serve because excellence in public service and PR is never a solo journey. This award strengthens my resolve to lead with integrity, challenge the status quo, and continue raising the bar while lifting others.”
The PRSA CA Gold Coast PR Professional of the Year Award is presented annually by PRSA CA Gold Coast to recognize communications and public relations professionals along the Central Coast who exemplify outstanding leadership and have made significant contributions to the advancement of public relations as a profession.
For more information about PRSA CA Gold Coast Chapter and its programs, visit www.prsagoldcoast.org
About PRSA California Gold Coast Chapter
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) – California Gold Coast Chapter serves Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The PRSA chapter serves a diverse community of professionals empowering them to excel in effective, ethical, and respectful communications on behalf of the organizations they represent and the constituencies they serve and advance the careers of its members. For more information about the PRSA California Gold Coast chapter, visit: www.prsagoldcoast.org