Trusted advisor to CEOs, developers, nonprofits, public institutions, and civic leaders. Tony advances critical initiatives, elevates brands, tells compelling stories, and navigates high-stakes policy, land use, and reputation challenges.
Trusted by leading organizations
Sempra | Port of San Diego | Toll Brothers | Girl Scouts San Diego | San Diego Unified | Regional Task Force on Homelessness | San Diego Building Industry Association
About
For more than 20 years, Tony Manolatos has helped organizations tell their story, win public affairs battles, launch new initiatives, and navigate reputation challenges in high-stakes environments.
A strategist and connector in San Diego, Tony assembles and leads top-tier teams of lobbyists, digital specialists, researchers, and community engagement leaders — aligning communications, stakeholders, and coalitions to build support and secure approvals, funding, and implementation.
Tony is best known for helping the people working on solutions to San Diego's biggest challenges, especially housing and homelessness. His work includes PR and media relations, leading public affairs and land use campaigns, managing crises and reputation challenges, and building coalitions to support project approvals and other key outcomes.
Tony Manolatos
How Tony Typically Supports Clients
Most clients bring Tony in when they need general PR support or when something important is at stake — and they need to respond quickly, strategically, or both.
1. Public Relations & Brand Storytelling
Building ongoing visibility, stakeholder engagement, coalition building, media relations, and a consistent public narrative that elevates an organization's reputation over time.
2. Visibility & Momentum for Key Initiatives
Supporting launches, campaigns, and priority efforts with coordinated outreach and engagement.
3. Strategic Communications & Crisis Management
Clarifying messaging and strengthening how organizations show up with key audiences, including when mistakes are made and reputations are on the line.
4. Market Entry, Growth & Relationship Building
Helping organizations grow and break into new regions or sectors by opening doors and building the relationships that lead to new business and opportunities.
Watch: The power of storytelling
Strategic storytelling moves audiences and shapes outcomes.
Manolatos Public Affairs
Public Policy PR & More
A leading public relations firm based in San Diego, Manolatos Public Affairs provides strategic and tactical solutions to help nonprofits, businesses, and others achieve their goals. Discover more.
Campaigns That Deliver Results
Defeated Measure A
Led a coalition of nonprofit and market-rate homebuilders that defeated a major anti-housing ballot initiative.
Level Up SD
Quarterbacked a team in partnership with San Diego Unified and San Diego Foundation that launched Level Up SD — the largest summer enrichment program in San Diego history, serving more than 75,000 students.
Chargers Stadium
Hired by the mayor of San Diego to lead communications for the Citizens’ Stadium Advisory Group and counter the Chargers’ PR campaign. While the team ultimately relocated to Los Angeles, public sentiment largely held ownership — not the city — responsible.
Major Public Affairs Campaigns
Led public affairs campaigns for organizations including Sempra, the Port of San Diego, and Girl Scouts San Diego. Recent work includes launching and leading initiatives such as Homeownership Opportunities for SD and Encinitas Cares.
Let's work together to achieve your goals.
CONTACT US
Beyond Public Affairs
Tony also coaches baseball parents and players, and is an author and podcast host exploring youth sports culture, parenting, and leadership.
Stories from the Stands
Baseball Dad & PR Guy
Tony coaches baseball parents and players and writes a weekly newsletter about youth sports culture — and the moments that shape young athletes. Click here to subscribe.
Dear San Diego Podcast🎙
A Public Affairs Podcast with Personality
Amplifying the voices who move San Diego. Discover more.
