Having begun his career in the rough and tumble of San Francisco politics beginning his service as a Public Service Aide for the Director of the San Francisco Department of Public Health, Bonilla was appointed by then San Francisco Supervisor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr. to serve on several city commissions, including serving as the Chairman of the Finance Committee of the San Francisco Juvenile Probation Commission where he oversaw a $30+ million budget. Additionally, during his time serving in the City and County of San Francisco, Bonilla was elected as a California Democratic Convention delegate.
After serving in San Francisco, Bonilla moved to the Silicon Valley where he advised a San José Council member as her communications director. During his time at San José City Hall, Bonilla was responsible for developing the Council member’s public safety agenda, which became one of the most high-profile political agendas coming out of San José City Hall.
In 2010, after having served in government, Bonilla entered the private sector and founded a public relations firm that developed clientele in various industry sectors.
As an award-winning communicator, from crisis communications to political strategy, Bonilla has established his reputation as expert organizations turn to for strategic leadership.
Most recently, Bonilla served as the Chairman of the powerful San José Planning Commission. As chair, he was responsible for the expansion of the commission from seven members to eleven. He also built a reputation for seeking to implement a strong economic agenda for the city of San Jose's East San José neighborhood.
Frequently quoted in local and national publications, Bonilla has also served as a political and communications analyst for television networks.
Bonilla has a BA in Politics from the University of San Francisco, and a JD from San Francisco Law School.
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