The career of Jose Hermocillo, ‘83, spans decades in the fields of government relations, public affairs, and strategic communications. He has been at the center of dozens of high-profile ballot measure campaigns and legislative and regulatory debates on issues ranging from healthcare and workers’ compensation to natural resources and taxation. 

After graduating with distinction from Pomona College’s government department in 1976, Hermocillo was one of six individuals selected statewide to participate in the State Senate’s Fellowship Program. After finishing the fellowship program, he was hired to work for the State Senate’s labor committee as an associate consultant. Two years later he left to work as a lobbyist in the State Capitol. During this time, he attended McGeorge School of Law and graduated in 1983, winning top honors in Moot Court Competition and serving on the Moot Court Honors Board. A year later he received a certificate in trial and appellate advocacy from UC Hastings College of the Law and joined a civil litigation law firm.   

Because of his passion for politics and policy, he pursued a career in public affairs. After a four-year stint as an independent consultant, he became a partner in one of California’s top political consulting and public affairs firms. In 1996, he helped open an office in the Sacramento market for APCO Worldwide, a global public affairs and strategic communications agency. He managed that office for two decades, during which time he was promoted to executive director and served on its senior management team for North America. During his tenure, APCO became one of the top PR agencies in the Sacramento market.     

In 2016, Hermocillo co-founded Hermocillo-Azevedo Strategic Communications to specialize in policy, crisis, and litigation communications. The firm added a third partner in 2020 and changed the firm’s name to Integrated Communications Strategies. The firm continues to help corporate, public, and nonprofit entities influence public policy outcomes and protect their reputations during times of crisis and transition. The firm also provides strategic planning services to solve complex economic development challenges.  

In 2007, PR News, the industry’s leading national publication, recognized Hermocillo as “Public Affairs Executive of the Year.” He also has twice been named one of the most influential people in the region by Sacramento Magazine. 

Hermocillo currently serves on the Dean’s Cabinet for McGeorge School of Law and the boards of directors for the Sierra Health Foundation and the Center for Sierra Health Foundation, which promote health, racial equity and racial justice in communities throughout the state. He also has served on numerous boards, including Valley Vision, Umpqua Bank/Holdings Corporation, and Capital Public Radio. Hermocillo is a senior fellow of the Mt. Valley Chapter of the American Leadership Forum. In his spare time, Hermocillo plays trumpet with bands in the Sacramento area. 

Throughout 2024, the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law will celebrate members of its vast alumni network in honor of the school’s 100-year anniversary. This post is part of a series highlighting 100 exceptional McGeorge School of Law alumni. 

Stay tuned for more blog posts as we celebrate the law school’s centennial anniversary.