Cerrell Associates: Los Angeles Public Affairs Firm Profile

Cerrell Associates is an independent Los Angeles public affairs firm and PR agency founded by Joe and Lee Cerrell in the 1960s. It is known for political campaign management, government relations, land use work and crisis communications for corporate, nonprofit and public-agency clients in California. Hal Dash and Steve Bullock are listed as principals.

Originally published September 2018. Updated October 17, 2026.

Who was Joe Cerrell and how did the firm start?

Joe Cerrell was a Democratic political operative who became head of the California Democratic Party in his mid-20s and went on to work on presidential campaigns from John F. Kennedy to Al Gore, as the Associated Press reported when he died in December 2010 at age 75.

He and his wife Lee founded Cerrell Associates, and O'Dwyer's reported that early clients included Pacific Southwest Airlines and Pacific Telephone alongside political work. The firm opened a Washington office in 1983 through Palumbo & Cerrell.

Who leads Cerrell Associates today?

Hal Dash led the firm as chairman and CEO after Joe Cerrell, and the firm's website now lists Hal Dash and Steve Bullock as principals. Cerrell stepped back in 2006 by placing the firm under seven senior principals and taking the title of chairman emeritus.

What does Cerrell Associates do?

Cerrell Associates provides strategic counsel, government relations, issue advocacy, public relations and crisis communications, with particular strength in ballot campaigns, coalition building and land use. According to USC, its work on a high-profile visit earned a Prism Award for Best Special Event from PRSA Los Angeles.

EPR's guides to public affairs and crisis communications cover the wider field.

Which clients has Cerrell Associates served?

SourceWatch lists past Cerrell clients that include Alaska Airlines, BP, Bombardier, Conoco Phillips, Deloitte Consulting, the City of Long Beach, the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority and Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County. That list is dated, so buyers should ask the firm for current references.

What recognition has Cerrell Associates received?

Los Angeles Business Journal named Cerrell Associates its Small Family-Owned Business of the Year, according to USC. O'Dwyer's 2010 directory ranked it the 43rd largest independent PR firm in the United States and the fourth largest independent firm in Los Angeles. PRSA Los Angeles honored Joe Cerrell as Outstanding PR Professional in 2001.

How does Cerrell Associates compare with other California public affairs firms?

Cerrell Associates is a long-running independent public affairs firm in Los Angeles with roots in Democratic campaigns and local government. Readers comparing options can start with EPR's California PR page and the PR agency profiles directory.

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