About

Years of Experience

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Meet Joe Brettell

Your Trusted Advisor in High-Stakes Communications

Joe Brettell is the founder of Forward Energy Public Relations. A senior communications and public affairs advisor with more than 20 years of experience, he helps Fortune 500 companies, political leaders, and major organizations navigate high-stakes moments and strategic goals. His work sits at the intersection of energy, technology, and policy, where outcomes depend on public trust, stakeholder support, and disciplined messaging.

Joe previously served as Head of External Relations for Apache Corporation, acting as a day-to-day spokesperson and helping shape public and media perception during a major new oil and gas play. Before Apache, he led FleishmanHillard’s Houston energy practice, advising clients across the energy value chain, utilities, and alternative energy, and supporting organizations in sectors ranging from technology to professional services and entertainment.

Earlier in his career, Joe was Communications Director for multiple Members of Congress, helping craft responses to the 2008 financial crisis and the Farm Bill. He is frequently quoted nationally with prior roles including writing a freelance political column for ABC News and commentary for outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, and GQ.

A California native, avid runner, and longtime Padres fan, Joe lives in Houston with his wife and four children.

Play

the potomac, Permian, and pacific

Joe grew up in San Diego, started his career in Washington, and is based in Houston. That path is a strategic advantage. The Potomac, the Permian, and the Pacific represent the three worlds where modern energy decisions are shaped, challenged, and ultimately approved or stopped.

Most advisors know one lane deeply. Joe helps translate between all three, aligning leaders, stakeholders, and strategy so your message holds up where it matters most.

Washington (Potomac)

Federal policy, regulatory strategy, Capitol Hill experience

Joe started his career in Washington and learned how decisions actually get made, well before a vote, a rule, or a headline. He understands the incentives, constraints, and time horizons that shape federal and state action, and how to communicate with the discipline and credibility that decision-makers expect. That experience is pivotal when your business strategy intersects with policy risk, permitting, or public scrutiny.

Houston & The Energy Hub (Permian)

Energy operations, industry stakeholders, and ground truth

Joe is based in Houston, where energy work is practical, high-stakes, and deeply connected to communities, labor, regulators, and investors. He understands how projects succeed on execution, trust, and operational reality, not just messaging. That perspective helps clients communicate in a way that respects the facts on the ground and earns support with the stakeholders who can accelerate progress or slow it down.

West Coast Technology (Pacific)

Technology companies, AI era infrastructure, and narrative speed

Growing up on the Pacific and working with technology leaders shaped Joe’s understanding of how fast narratives form and how quickly public attention can turn into political pressure. He helps teams connect innovation priorities to infrastructure realities, translating complex work into clear stakes for communities, customers, partners, and employees. That connection is pivotal in the AI era, when energy, power demand, and public sentiment are increasingly intertwined.