About Us
Who We Are
Linda Vista Communications is a Pasadena-based strategic communications firm specializing in high-stakes, public-impact work.
We partner with nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and public-sector leaders during moments where clarity, credibility, and judgment matter most.
Our work sits at the intersection of policy, research, media, and public understanding—helping organizations communicate with purpose and precision when the spotlight is on.
Whether guiding long-term strategy or navigating immediate scrutiny, we help our clients lead with confidence and integrity.
Our Perspective
Our name defines the formula for your success.
Named after the corner of Pasadena where our story begins, Linda Vista carries a dual meaning. In Spanish, it speaks to the big picture. In Italian, lindo means clean, clear, and sharp—just like your message will be.
We believe effective communications are grounded in perspective: understanding the broader landscape while attending carefully to detail. From guiding principles to fine print, we ensure that our clients are understood and trusted.
What Sets Us Apart
Linda Vista brings seasoned judgment shaped by decades of senior-level leadership across education, government, philanthropy, and research.
Our team has directed communications for leading institutions in education, technology R&D, public policy, and philanthropy—supporting organizations as they secure funding, shape public dialogue, and earn long-term trust. We work as strategic partners and trusted advisers. Our work is collaborative, discreet, and tailored to the moment at hand.
We take the time to understand the complexity of each organization, the audiences that matter most, and the environments in which messages will land. From strategy through execution, our approach is thoughtful, rigorous, and grounded in real-world experience. Clients turn to us when the stakes are high—because clarity, credibility, and timing matter.
OUR EXPERIENCE AND PAST CLIENTS
UCLA School of Law ✳︎ The Altadena Coalition ✳︎ NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory ✳︎ Michelson Philanthropies ✳︎ The Milken Institute ✳︎ Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands ✳︎ Office of the Mayor of Los Angeles ✳︎ University of Southern California
OUR MEDIA PLACEMENTS INCLUDE
Wall Street Journal
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Financial Times
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The Chronicle of Higher Education
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POLITICO
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Los Angeles Times
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The New York Times
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National Public Radio
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And many other national and international outlets.
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Wall Street Journal ✳︎ Financial Times ✳︎ The Chronicle of Higher Education ✳︎ POLITICO ✳︎ Los Angeles Times ✳︎ The New York Times ✳︎ National Public Radio ✳︎ And many other national and international outlets. ✳︎
Meet Our Team
Founding Partner
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Geoff brings decades of C-suite leadership and national media relations expertise to every client engagement, with a focus on strategic communications for nonprofit, education, healthcare, and policy organizations.
He has led communications at institutions including The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands, Michelson Philanthropies, and the Milken Institute—delivering results that include securing $600 million in state funding, steering presidential summit communications, and earning coverage in the Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, and other global outlets.
A former journalist with ABC News, C-SPAN, and American Public Media, Geoff spent a decade covering Congress, the White House, and international affairs—bringing a deep understanding of how media, policy, and public perception intersect. He has also served as president of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors and was elected three times as a college trustee.
Geoff holds an MBA from Fordham and a master’s in journalism from USC. Known for a collaborative, mission-driven approach, he helps clients turn complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives that drive change and resonate with diverse audiences—from national policymakers to local stakeholders.
Founding Partner
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Carl has served as vice president for media relations, social media and online news at the University of Southern California; press secretary to the Mayor of Los Angeles; and head of internal, technical and executive communications, graphic design and web development for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
He is:A trusted adviser to C-suite executives on effective messaging, advocacy, and policy
An experienced leader and practitioner with a proven record across communications disciplines
An accomplished editor and writer with a rare combination of media pitching success, technical and scientific fluency, and people-centered storytelling.
Adept at simplifying human and technical complexity, he has produced showpiece annual reports and award-winning publications; led crisis communications in response to homicides, wildfires and other emergencies; edited and art-directed scientific grant proposals; and designed strategic communications campaigns, websites and editorial charters.
He has also worked as a journalist (This American Life, Marketplace, and other outlets) and educator (USC Annenberg School). He is an observer and listener first; adviser, writer and leader second.
Carl is a proud generalist by luck and design. He has a bilingual and tricultural background — Italy, Canada, United States — and holds graduate degrees in mathematics and literature.
Contact Us
Send a message and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.