Kaiser Permanente Names New Public Affairs Director for Marin-Sonoma

Judy James has accepted the role of Public Affairs Director and joined the Kaiser Permanente Marin-Sonoma service area on March 18, 2019.

With more than 25 years of progressive leadership experience, Ms. James has demonstrated her ability to foster strategic partnerships with internal customers as well as with local dignitaries, business leaders, elected officials and media outlets across Marin and Sonoma County. In her role as Public Affairs Director, she will be responsible for the development and implementation of a diverse portfolio of programs, including Public Affairs, Communications, Community Benefit, Community and Government Relations, Media Relations, and Membership Growth and Retention.

“I’m pleased to become part of the Kaiser Permanente team,” said Ms. James. “I have been a Kaiser Permanente member and am impressed by their integrated model of care, clinical excellence, the caring and friendly physicians and staff, and the organization’s standing in the community.”

Ms. James began her career with the California Farm Bureau Federation in Sacramento. After a number of increasingly responsible promotions she earned the position of Executive Director for the Sonoma County Farm Bureau, the largest membership organization in Sonoma County. After 17 years with the Farm Bureau, she transitioned to the Director of Community Relations for Clover Stornetta Farms, and then to Manager of Community Affairs for Republic Services, Inc. For the past five years, Judy has served as the Director of External Affairs, for the Comcast Corporation North Bay Division covering Sonoma, Napa, Marin, Mendocino and Solano counties. Representing all five counties through recent wildfires, Ms. James has been personally recognized for her outstanding leadership around crisis management and emergency response efforts.

In addition to her extensive professional experience, Ms. James currently serves on several community boards, including San Rafael Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs, Northbay Leadership Council, Santa Rosa Metro Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Council , Sonoma County Alliance, Redwood Credit Union, Santa Rosa Junior College Ag Trust Foundation, Sonoma County Professional & Business Women, and the Sonoma County Farm Bureau. She previously served as Chair of the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Petaluma Chamber of Commerce Board and was an adjunct instructor at Santa Rosa Junior College for 15 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business Management, with a minor in Marketing, from California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo.