[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1757009361137{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]EKA Partner Eric Rose weighs in on Polish CEO Piotr Szczerek’s hat-snatching at the U.S. Open, which became a viral PR disaster worsened by his arrogant, threatening statement. Instead of apologizing, he mocked critics and escalated backlash, cementing perceptions of arrogance. His delayed apology came too late, making the case a lasting lesson in crisis communication failures.[/vc_column_text][mk_button dimension=”flat” size=”medium” url=”https://prcg.com/blog/hat-snatchers-statement-wrecking-rep/” target=”_blank”]READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1756989211715{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]EKA Partner Eric Rose weighs in on the PR and credibility crisis the Los Angeles Clippers are facing. Rose writes that transparency, accountability, and proactive communication will determine whether the Clippers can weather the storm—or collapse under its weight.[/vc_column_text][mk_button dimension=”flat” size=”medium” url=”https://2urbangirls.com/2025/09/clippers-kawhi-leonard-and-steve-ballmer-face-a-crisis-of-trust/” target=”_blank”]READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]

LOS ANGELES, CA, August 1, 2025 — Kellie Hawkins, Managing Partner of EKA, today announced that veteran City Manager and long-time public servant Pat West has joined the firm as a Joint Venture Partner, bringing nearly four decades of deep experience navigating the complexities of city government, redevelopment, and entitlement processes throughout California.

“Pat West is one of the most respected city managers in Southern California,” said Hawkins. “He has led during times of crisis, rebuilt entire communities, and turned economic challenges into opportunities for growth. Pat’s leadership, vision, and problem-solving abilities will bring tremendous value to our clients and our firm.”

West served as a government official in the Gateway Cities region for 39 years, including 23 years as a City Manager. He worked in both small contract cities and large charter cities, holding various department head roles and earning national recognition for his transformative impact on the cities of Paramount and Long Beach.

In 1981, the City of Paramount was ranked the 8th most distressed city in America by a Rand Corporation study. West, then serving as Parks and Recreation Director, committed himself to turning the city around. Eventually becoming City Manager, he helped lead a remarkable transformation using creative zoning, redevelopment, and economic tools that made Paramount a model of urban renewal.

In 2005, West was appointed Executive Director of the Redevelopment Agency and Director of Community Development for the City of Long Beach, at a time when the city was facing challenges to two of its economic pillars: the aerospace industry and the Long Beach Naval Base. The result was blight, job loss, and widespread uncertainty. Two years later, West was named City Manager, a position he held until 2019. Under his leadership, Long Beach achieved its lowest crime rate and unemployment rate in recorded history, built a new $520 million Civic Center using a cutting-edge public-private partnership (P3) model, and launched the most robust private sector development boom in a generation.

“I’ve had the privilege of serving communities during their most difficult and most promising times,” said West. “Joining EKA as a joint venture partner allows me to continue that work and help clients navigate the intersection of public policy, politics, and development with integrity and creativity.”

About EKA – EKA is a strategic communications firm specializing in public affairs, government advocacy, reputation management, crisis communications, and litigation support. With a deep bench of experienced professionals and a client roster that includes leading corporations, public agencies, and advocacy groups, EKA continues to set the standard for excellence in strategic counsel. Learn more at www.ekapr.com.

Media Contact: Eric@ekapr.com

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In today’s hyper-connected world, brand crises can erupt and escalate in minutes, leaving no room for hesitation. In this newly updated edition of What to Do When Things Go Wrong – Protecting the Brand, crisis expert Eric W. Rose outlines the essential strategies every organization needs to survive—and thrive—when the unexpected hits. From preparing your team and sharpening your message to navigating social media firestorms and regulatory scrutiny, this practical guide is a must-read for leaders who understand that in 2025, crisis readiness is not a luxury—it’s a leadership imperative.

[/vc_column_text][mk_button dimension=”flat” size=”large” url=”https://www.ekapr.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/what-to-do-when-things-go-wrong_protecting-the-brand_2025-updated-.pdf”]CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE PDF[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]

EKA partner Eric Rose recently published a piece entitled “From Jackie Robinson to Today: The Dodgers’ Unbroken Commitment to Justice”:

OUTSIDE VOICE – The Los Angeles Dodgers are no strangers to pressure. They’ve faced the weight of expectations on the field for more than a century. But it’s off the field, where values meet actions, that the Dodgers have truly distinguished themselves as leaders. That’s why the recent civil rights complaint filed by America First Legal, accusing the team of unlawful discrimination under the guise of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), is not just legally dubious—it’s morally absurd.

Let’s call this complaint what it is: a political stunt, not a principled stand. A coordinated attack designed to punish organizations that dare to stand with historically marginalized communities. This isn’t about protecting civil rights. It’s about undermining them.

For decades, the Dodgers have earned their credibility not through slogans, but through courageous and often groundbreaking decisions rooted in justice and inclusion. Long before it was popular or profitable, the Dodgers integrated Major League Baseball by signing Jackie Robinson in 1947, forever altering the trajectory of professional sports and helping propel the modern civil rights movement. Robinson didn’t just break the color barrier; he shattered a silence that had lingered for generations. And the Dodgers stood with him when few others would.

This wasn’t performative. It was bold, principled leadership.

Complete article.

LOS ANGELES, JULY 1, 2025 — EKA, Southern California’s premier public affairs and strategic communications firm, proudly announces the selection of Kellie Hawkins as its next Managing Partner, effective July 1, 2025. Her unanimous selection marks a major milestone in the firm’s evolution and underscores its continued commitment to leadership excellence, innovation, and delivering results that matter to clients.
Hawkins, who currently leads EKA’s Health and Social Service Practice, brings more than two decades of experience across the public and private sectors. Widely respected for her strategic insight, collaborative leadership, and trusted counsel, Hawkins has been instrumental in advancing client priorities on some of the most complex and consequential issues facing communities today. As Managing Partner, she will guide EKA into its next phase of growth, aligning the firm’s values with the evolving needs of its diverse client base.

“Kellie has long been one of the smartest, most strategic people I’ve worked alongside, and I have been lucky to call her a partner and friend,” said current Managing Partner Matt Knabe. “She brings an extraordinary mix of government experience, political savvy, and calm leadership to the role. EKA’s management is in great hands.”

Kellie takes over the Managing Partner role from Matt Knabe, who, as a firm co-founder, will remain on as a partner and trusted advisor as the firm’s leadership transitions to the next chapter.

“Under Matt’s leadership as Managing Partner, EKA expanded its reach, deepened its influence, and solidified its position as Southern California’s top public affairs and strategic communications firm,” said Kellie Hawkins, who is taking over. “His vision, integrity, and ability to bring together talented professionals have laid the foundation for the firm’s continued growth. We thank him for his efforts.”
“I am honored to step into this role at such a significant moment in EKA’s journey,” said Hawkins. “This firm has long stood at the intersection of policy, communication, and advocacy. I look forward to continuing our legacy of trusted leadership while cultivating new ways to serve our clients, support our people, and strengthen our communities.”

Before joining EKA, Hawkins served as Chief Operating Officer of the National Health Foundation, advised senior officials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and held key roles in the administration of former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Her early career began in epidemiology at the L.A. County Department of Health Services, grounding her in evidence-based service and public accountability.
A native Angeleno, Hawkins holds degrees from Howard University and the University of Southern California’s Master of Public Health program. She is an American Marshall Memorial Fellow and alumna of the Coro Health Leadership Program. She currently serves on the boards of Coro Southern California, CicLAvia, and Climate Resolve.
EKA’s announcement reaffirms the firm’s deep bench of talent, long-standing commitment to leadership development, and its reputation as a trusted advisor to clients navigating today’s most urgent policy and communications challenges.

About EKA – EKA is a strategic communications firm specializing in public affairs, government advocacy, reputation management, crisis communications, and litigation support. With a deep bench of experienced professionals and a client roster that includes leading corporations, public agencies, and advocacy groups, EKA continues to set the standard for excellence in strategic counsel. Learn more at www.ekapr.com