Who We Are - Azimuth Public Relations

Our Founder Devon Mathis

Devon J. Mathis is a name that people use to connect with leadership and help the community. He has spent much of his life serving his country and state. He was born and raised in Porterville, California, in the Southern San Joaquin Valley. He is the middle child in a family of six kids. Devon finished his early schooling at Reedley High School. He also spent 12 years in the U.S. Army National Guard. This time helped build his character and improve his leadership skills. He still holds a strong desire to serve others today.

During Mathis’s time in the Army, he was awarded the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with Valor & (2nd Award)Totaling 3 Army Commendation Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), Combat Action Badge (2nd Award), and Driver & Mechanic Badge with Driver Wheeled Vehicles. Mathis trained soldiers on most Army vehicles with wheels and even some without.

Post-war, Mathis received extensive VA therapy while transitioning back to civilian life and starting his collegiate career.

Mathis graduated with Honors from Porterville College “Go Pirates!” in 2011 with an Associates degree in Social Sciences. While at PC, he served as the Secretary of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, and as the President of the College Veterans’ Association, and worked with the Administration on the Veterans’ Service Center.

Mathis then graduated with Honors from Fresno State University “Go Bulldogs!” in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration. Mathis joined the Golden Key International Honour Society. He joined Omega Delta Sigma, the National Veterans Fraternity, serving as Philanthropy Chair, Chapter VP, Chapter President, National Historian, National Vice President, and proud Alumni.

In that same election cycle, Mr. Mathis launched his historic underdog campaign for the California State Assembly. Despite being strongly out-funded and having no “political experience”, Mathis made efficient use of his experience with military tactics, being financially outgunned more than 10 to 1 against a well-entrenched politician, winning the election by 7%.

In the Legislature, Assemblyman Devon Mathis has been directly involved in a series of major deals, including the MCO Tax talks, Cap & Trade negotiations, California Tribal-State Gaming Compacts, the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant closure delay, Native American “Feather Alert” system, Water & Wastewater Loan & Grant Program, and multiple CEQA Reform packages.

Asm. Mathis graduated from the Department of Energy’s Legislative Energy Horizon Institute, a program designed to educate policymakers on how North America’s energy networks work, how energy infrastructure is built, and how regulatory policy & market trends impact our energy systems. 

Asm. Mathis engaged with the California Foundation on the Environment & the Economy on the following important issues, Transportation, Water, Energy, and Natural Resources, and even traveled to Japan to discuss hydrogen firsthand.

With redistricting & term limits ahead of him, the Assemblyman asked himself “What’s next, and what’s missing in the body of politics?” He decided to pursue a Masters’ of Strategic Public Relations and graduated with Honors from The George Washington University School of Professional Studies in 2021.

In 2023, Devon Mathis chose not to run for re-election, and instead launched Azimuth Public Relations firm, shifting gears to be more hands-on with the important issues that the Central Valley, State, and Nation face. Azimuth will help build coalitions, bringing multiple stakeholders together to address the tough issues ahead. Mathis is known for having a heart of service and a desire to help others. 

The Honorable Assemblyman Devon Mathis’ experiences in community service, the military, academia, and politics have equipped him with the leadership skills necessary to enact policy while also providing him with the capabilities necessary to bring ideologically opposing stakeholders together to craft critical legislation. His favorite coalitions are the Islands of Misfit Toys.