I have more than 30 years of experience in the communications and marketing field with experience on the agency and client side with large and small public relations agencies in San Diego and New York City. I also spent seven years working in Los Angeles in TV and film production and development.
Prior to launching J. Walcher Communications in 2001, I was VP of marketing and public relations for the American Council on Exercise (ACE). ACE is a national nonprofit organization that functions as an association, builds credibility for the fitness industry and educates the public about health and fitness topics.
Early in my career, I spent three years at Ruder, Finn & Rotman, one of the country’s oldest PR firms. Later, I worked at a boutique agency specializing in sports and entertainment accounts before moving to L.A. to begin my film and TV work, which included production on national TV commercials and feature films.
I’ve won awards on behalf of the U.S. Parachute Association, Bazaar del Mundo, San Diego Rapid Response Network, Multicultural Health Foundation, and more. I was a former board member, of PRSA’s Counselors Academy, a section for senior-level public relations counselors.
I’ve also served on the boards of Serving Seniors, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3), one of San Diego’s primary advocates for urban planning, environmental quality, and social progress, and the San Diego County Bar Foundation, an organization that helps provide legal assistance to individuals in challenging circumstances.
I currently volunteer on a marketing committee for Sharp Healthcare, San Diego’s leading healthcare provider.
Recognitions include the 2019 PRSA Eva Irving Community Services Award, given to a PR professional whose volunteer efforts for nonprofit, philanthropic or public service organizations embody the traditions of volunteerism. I’ve been recognized with awards from long term client’s Jewish Family Service and California Athletic Trainers’ Association, and was named to the San Diego Business Journal’s “San Diego Women Who Mean Business.”
In summer 2021, I launched a “Curator in Residence” program in partnership with Art, Power, Equity, an arts-based enterprise that supports underrepresented artists and promotes equitable arts-oriented development. I lend my office, an 1896 Queen Anne Victorian home, and support, to a variety of BIPOC artists to exhibit their art and sponsor public openings for the artists.
About Jean Walcher
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a 26-year-old son who works in politics in Washington, D.C. We see each often. I’m lucky to have my immediate family close by.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
It’s challenging, exciting, demanding and energizing. Never a dull moment in what we do and the kind of clients we have. I learn something new every day, and that is my favorite part of this business.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Fake it until you make it. Be nice; life is too short for anything else.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Continuing to work in the art space; mentoring and consulting. Being active and having fun.
Jean Walcher & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Civico 1845, Callie, Rose Cafe, Casa de Bandini, Piattis
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve live in South Park for 26 years now. I have had a business in San Diego for 24 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
All of the artists I work with, I can’t pick just one. My mother, Laura Walcher.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Cafe Chloe (loved that restaurant), Bill Gambles (an old men’s clothing store I worked at in high school in UTC), the original Bazaar del Mundo in Old Town.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
All of our little neighborhoods that are diverse and used to be blighted, like (long ago) South Park, now Barrio Logan, Logan Heights, National City.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
President Barack Obama; lunch someplace quiet and chill like the University Club (not a member but my guess is they’d let me in if Obama was dining with me).
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
West Side Story (the original); TV show: there are so many good ones now, The Morning Show, loved Catastrophe, Mad Men, Sons of Anarchy, Ozark.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My body was painted pink, wrapped in cellophane and I danced in a club as an extra in a friend’s movie.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My son, by partner.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
Well, in a plug for some of our clients: Jewish Family Service, Monarch School, San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Be assertive when working with people that intimidate you; don’t let them get away with not treating you well
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
South Park
What I love about my Neighborhood:
That I can walk to my restaurants, yoga studio, book store, boutiques to buy gifts/clothes from independent stores
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Don’t wake up early; lay in bed reading the newspapers and magazines I’ve collected over the week; long walk; read my book, cocktails and dinner out in the hood
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Bed, books, food
