LAMAR
Hernandez-Thorpe
Chief Principal Consultant

Between 2016 and 2024, he served as a Councilman and later elected Mayor of Antioch, CA, a rapidly growing and diverse city in Northern California. His tenure as mayor allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the intricate dynamics between government, the private sector, organized labor, nonprofit organizations, media, and special interest groups. His leadership during this time enabled him to guide Antioch through periods of growth and challenge.

 

Lamar also has extensive experience in public affairs and has held key roles across various sectors. As the executive director of a healthcare district, vice president of development and communications for a high-profile civil rights organization, and chief fundraiser for academic institutions, Lamar has demonstrated his ability to manage complex organizations and drive impactful initiatives.

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With over 15 years of experience, Lamar founded ESSG to provide public affairs solutions. The firm acts as a “watchman” for its clients, offering strategic guidance and calm during complex approval processes, political campaigns, advocacy efforts, and other situations that require a skilled political mindset. He is a graduate of George Washington University in Washington, DC, and an 8-year U.S. Navy Veteran.