Hi, I’m Candice Eley, a marketing and public relations professional with more than 20 years of experience and a profound passion for promoting people and organizations that make a positive impact in the community. 

I currently work with one of the top communications agencies in the U.S., Padilla, as a Senior Director in the Channels Division (the team that specializes in multi-channel campaign approaches). Prior to that, I worked in-house for the San Diego Tourism Authority, San Diego Humane Society and Museum of Photographic Arts. Some of my favorite career accomplishments to-date include:

• Working with iconic brands like the LEGO Group, Winnebago Industries, and Zildjian
• Winning a 2025 Virginia PR Award for Integrated Campaigns
• Winning the 2018 Poppy Award for a public relations campaign promoting San Diego’s bi-national border identity
• Speaking at the 2017 Americans for the Arts National Arts Marketing Project Conference on my work promoting San Diego’s art scene
• Creating an after-hours signature social event for the Museum of  Photographic Arts called POP Thursdays, which ran for more than 7 years

I’ve volunteered my time with numerous boards over the years, including the Richmond PRSA, San Diego Museum Council and the U.S. Travel Association’s Communications Advisory Committee, and served as the Vice Chair of Visit California’s Public Relations Committee. I’m also an Election Officer for the City of Richmond.

After hours, I play drums in a goth punk band and recreate costumes worn by the character Deanna Troi on Star Trek: The Next Generation. And yes, I’m serious.