Between his three jobs, Jeff Gorell keeps busy: He’s a partner in the Oxnard-based community relations firm Paladin Principle, an adjunct professor at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks and a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
At Paladin, the 36-year-old partner helps develop strategies for businesses and organizations as they interact with the public, media and political leaders. The firm helps companies reach goals such as securing a development permits, pushing through a ballot initiative or gaining higher community visibility and good will.
Gorell is no stranger to the work. From 1993 to 1996, he worked as writer and deputy press secretary to Gov. Pete Wilson in Sacramento, communicating the governor’s business and industrial policies. In 1996, Gorell became a statewide advocate for business as the director of communications for the California Manufacturers and Technology Association.
A lawyer, Gorell teaches graduate students in the Masters of Policy and Public Administration program at CLU.
But Gorell, a third-generation Navy man, feels his greatest achievement thus far is his military service, which included a tour of duty in Afghanistan after September 2001. “I doubt I will ever feel the same level of pride I felt leading a team of men in a combat zone.”
What was your first job?
“I worked at an outdoor Italian grocery market in Alameda, where I shucked corn, sprayed vegetables with a hose and performed other tasks.”
Where’s your favorite local place to get coffee?
“The Barnes and Noble bookstore on Telephone Road in Ventura.”
What are the top three songs on your iPod?
‘“In a Little While’ by U2, ‘Army’ by Ben Folds and ‘Feel Good Inc.’ by Gorillaz.”
Where will you take your next vacation?
Perissa Beach in Santorini, Greece.
Where’s your favorite local getaway?
“Lake San Antonio with my boat, family and dog, Charlie.”
Who’s your role model and why?
“My father, Fred, is my role model. He’s the quintessential Renaissance man – a veteran, author, small business owner, musician, cook, and a man who enjoys clarity of mind with complex issues. Most of all, he is a good dad. I’m trying to be the same.”
What are the next three movies in your Netflix queue?
‘“The Good Shepard,’ ‘Saturday Night Live: The Best of Eddie Murphy’ and ‘Bobby.’”
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