Hutchens Public Relations is a team of seasoned professionals who have the expertise you need. We work with you in the conceptual, development and implementation stages of communications strategies custom designed to meet your objectives. By developing direct partnerships with our clients, we provide visionary, innovative and proactive strategies.
 Karen Hutchens
President
Karen Hutchens is a public relations strategist who specializes in public affairs issue management, corporate communications and crisis communications with the principle objective of delivering exemplary service and results. Her breadth of experience combines a powerful mix of entrepreneurialism with more than 25 years of experience as a communications professional with private, public and non-profit entities.
After a successful career at a San Diego-based electric utility company, Karen Hutchens established a public relations firm in San Diego in 1992. The agency quickly grew to be one of the largest firms in the state. In 1999, the agency was named the leading public relations agency by Inside PR. A year later, the firm was acquired by world-class communications firm, Porter Novelli International. After working internationally for several years, Ms. Hutchens opened Hutchens Public Relations in 2004 to service the needs of the growing San Diego business economy.
She has 25 years experience in the global energy sector, having worked as an executive in a Fortune 500 electric utility directing the company's governmental and public affairs activities. Her expertise includes public relations strategy development in support of energy projects, including nuclear generating facilities, combined cycle power plants, LNG terminals, gas and electric transmission lines and other major projects. She has worked with many notable energy sector clients, including ChevronTexaco, PG&E, APS, Southern California Edison and SDG&E.
Karen also has extensive experience in corporate communications in the financial sector including corporate mergers, acquisitions, high-level crisis situations and executive visibility programs. Client experience includes work for Sevin Rosen Funds, Sharp Health Care, Pacific Bell and Sea World of California.
Over the span of her career Karen has managed highly complex land development communications campaigns including several Wal-Mart developments, Hilton Hotels, San Diego Unified Port Authority projects and a Francis Parker School expansion.
Karen plays an active role in the San Diego community. She is an active member of Rotary Club 33; past chair of the San Diego World Trade Center; a member of the board of directors of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Mexico Business Center, the San Diego/Imperial County Girl Scouts and the California Center for Sustainable Energy.
She is a native San Diegan and lives in Point Loma. In addition to public relations, her other passions include travel, gourmet cooking and gardening.
 Scott Alevy
Vice President
Scott Alevy has more than 25 years of professional work in government relations, public affairs and broadcast media. He manages public policy advocacy, planning and communication strategies for Hutchens PR clients. Previous to joining HPR, Scott was vice president of public policy and communications at the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and prior to working with the Chamber, he was director of the AT&T-SBC-Pacific Bell External Affairs team.
Scott concluded a tenure as a member of the Chula Vista City Council in December 1996. Recognized as a community motivator and a strong advocate for business and education, he was honored with the prestigious Legislator of the Year award by the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce in 1996, the Presidents Award in 1998 and was named Pacesetter of the Year at the chamber’s 2001 awards banquet.
Scott chaired the successful Proposition BB campaign that won voter approval of a $187 million bond issue for Sweetwater Union High School District facilities in the South Bay with a 74% vote in November 2000. He received a special Rising Above the Rest Award from the district in recognition of those efforts.
He served as the president of the South San Diego County Economic Development Council for 2005-2006, and serves on their board of directors. He is a member of the Unified Port District Chairman’s Marketing Task Force and is on the board of directors of the California Veterans Home Support Foundation and is chairman of the Sweetwater Education Foundation. Scott is also a member of the American Cancer Society’s Partnership Council. He serves as hospitality chair for the Holiday Bowl Committee and its Civic Strategy and Team Selection Committees.
Prior to joining SBC, Scott’s community relations and marketing counsel benefited clients that included San Diego Air Commerce Center, Wal-Mart, The Home Depot, Pacific Bell, The Olivenhain Municipal Water District and the Jeep Division of Chrysler Motors. His ability to interact with concerned citizens, business leaders and government officials has earned Scott a solid reputation as an effective consensus builder.
As a key member of the public relations staff of Pacific Southwest Airlines, he helped guide the airline’s image through industry deregulation and rate restructuring, interstate expansion, a takeover attempt and the tragic crash of PSA’s Flight 182 in November 1978. Scott’s background also includes an assignment with the American Forces Radio and Television Network (where he was named Air Force Broadcaster of the Year), as well as many years in commercial broadcasting and journalism.
An accomplished writer, his work has been published in several national magazines. Scott holds a B.A. degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Southern California. He is the very proud father of Lauren, a recent graduate of Chapman University in Orange, and Shea, a freshman at San Diego State University. He lives in Blossom Valley with his wife Joanne and their rescued dogs, cats, birds and horses.
 Lucia Stone
Senior Associate
Lucia Stone has a comprehensive background in the communications
industry with experience in television news, print, electronic media and community relations. She brings to Hutchens PR half a decade of crisis communications experience gained while field producing during natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, the most recent San Diego wildfires,
the La Conchita mudslides, and the San Simeon earthquake. Her valuable expertise in media relations, strategic planning, research analysis, crisis management and project management contribute to the high quality work
and client satisfaction that Hutchens PR is known for.
Lucia is active in the local community, serving as a board member for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego and holding the Chair of House Operations.
She is originally from the Central Coast of California, but now calls Cardiff-by-the-Sea her home. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor adventures, traveling and cuisines from around the world.
Lucia has a Bachelor’s of Science in Journalism and a Minor in Ethnic Studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
 Francine Ribeau
Client Services Support Manager
Francine Ribeau’s eight years in marketing and graphic design equip Hutchens PR with the added experience necessary to provide its clients with superior quality public relations support. She is the central point and manager of materials development, technologic consulting, and client services at Hutchens PR.
Francine’s internal role at Hutchens PR ensures the office is operational and dependable. Her extensive knowledge of the principles of marketing, graphic design, along with her keen eye and a determined attitude, enables her to offer first-class service and support for our clients.
With a broad-range of professional experiences that include strategic and creative development for international corporations, academic and professional publishers, and international non-profit organizations, Francine has managed many product launches, tradeshows, special events, and direct marketing programs. Her experiences and unique talents will continue to propagate our clients’ successes.
Francine earned her undergraduate degree from San Diego State University in 2000. In her spare time, Francine enjoys attending
live music events and cooking multiple-course dinners for friends and family.
 Monica Poludniak
Executive Assistant
Monica brings experience in many facets of business to Hutchens PR. As a business owner, she managed all office operations as well as over 40 employees. Previously, she worked in the event and employee benefits departments for a world-class resort and spa in Scottsdale, Arizona where her client relations skills were groomed.
At Hutchens PR, Monica provides support in all administrative aspects where her organizational skills and strong customer service facilitate smoothness and efficiency at the firm. Additionally, her bilingual skills aide in Hutchens PR’s communications with its numerous cross-border clients.
Monica earned a degree in Advertising from the Instituto de Artes in Medellin, Colombia and
a Marketing Certificate from the University of California, San Diego. She is fluent in English
and Spanish. |
