LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--An industry leader throughout the nation of masterplanned industrial real estate, Watson Land Company (Watson) has officially named Trini M. Jimenez as Vice President of Public Affairs for the company. With twenty years of leadership and dedication navigating public affairs, Jimenez is poised to ensure Watson’s clients’ voices are heard and the company will prosper and grow.

In this role, Jimenez will lead Watson's legislative, government affairs and community involvement programs. He will counsel the company on public policy goals and strategies as well as serve as the liaison between local government legislative bodies, and Watson’s clients and community members. Working closely with policy decision makers and influencers, elected officials and regulatory agencies, Jimenez will handle concerns at the local and state levels effecting current business practices, future growth strategies.

“We are thrilled to welcome Trini to Watson Land Company,” said Jeff Jennison, Watson’s President and CEO. “His experience driving vital public affairs initiatives within challenging environments, and his ability to resolve complex issues and communicate with government agencies and the general public will be an immense advantage in furthering our clients’ goals.”

As Vice President of Public Affairs, Jimenez will oversee corporate social responsibility and community engagement and partnerships as well. This responsibility encompasses Watson’s commitment to enrich lives through educational programs and scholarships, volunteer work, and community partnerships, focused where the company’s employees, customers, and partners live and work. Jimenez will continue Watson’s mission to make a lasting and meaningful difference with vital programs such as the Boys & Girls Club, Junior Achievement of Southern California, and other organizations the company has been associated with for decades.

“Trini brings deep community connections that will allow us to enhance our support and better serve our industrial real estate community,” Jennison stated. "With his background and drive, I am confident he will make a great impact directing Watson Land Company’s public affairs.”

Prior to Watson, Jimenez served BNSF Railway as Director of Government Affairs with responsibility for the Southern California region. Advocating for company interests on issues of environmental regulations, tax policy, land use and permitting, real estate, and labor relations, he spearheaded notable initiatives that drove a positive impact for the corporation, including the successful permitting of the Southern California International Gateway (SCIG), and a proposed $750 million Intermodal Facility.

This experience aligns with Watson’s devotion to sustainability, its tradition of actively engaging with communities, and making thoughtful contributions to the public good.

Trini received his Juris Doctor degree from the UCLA School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from California State University, Long Beach. Early in his career practicing law as an attorney with the firm of Burke, Williams, and Sorensen in Los Angeles, he represented various local government entities, he counseled within the areas of municipal and education law.

Trini serves on the Board of California Taxpayers Association (CalTax), the Public Affairs Council of the California Chamber of Commerce, L.A. County Business Federation (BizFed) and is 2019/20 Chair of the BizFed PAC, Los Angeles Area California Chamber of Commerce, and Long Beach Area California Chamber of Commerce.

“I look forward to this opportunity with Watson Land Company,” Jimenez said. “The chance to serve this significant industry and work directly with such a prominent company such as Watson makes this an exceptional position. My intent is to direct an innovative government affairs program that furthers the company’s clients and community.”