About
At Nuffer, Smith, Tucker, we’ve got our sights set on something big: redefining the public relations industry. This means helping others abandon the perception of PR as a wheel of propaganda, churning and burning self-serving, bias-driven news releases. Instead, we see PR as something bigger, greater and far more meaningful. We define public relations not by tactics or strategies, but rather by frameworks for strategic thinking, relationship building, creating connections, storytelling and producing results.
This new way of defining PR is not about abandoning what works – it’s about building on it, constantly growing our toolkit, looking for inspiration across disciplines, and giving all efforts modern and forward-thinking relevancy.
Our Values
At NST, our values are more than words on paper. They are our North Star guiding our decisions big and small, and we love it when we have the opportunity to partner with clients who share our commitment to:
- Do the right thing.
- Prioritize relationships.
- Be candid and kind.
- Seek diverse perspectives.
- Balance hard work, have fun and get shit done.
- Add value every time.
- Deliver on commitments, and support one another.
Our Purpose
Not only do we help other organizations uncover their social purpose, we are also a purpose-driven company that believes in making a difference. At NST, our purpose is to build connections and enact change. We live this purpose day in and day out through our commitment to exploration; client service; diversity, equity and inclusion; and initiatives like Make Things Better.
We Are NST
Our History
How It Started
The journey to modern-day Nuffer, Smith, Tucker began in 1974 when Dave Nuffer and Bob Smith opened a political campaign agency and special-projects division of San Diego-based advertising agency Phillips-Ramsey. Their first client was the Dairy Council of California, an organization the agency continues to support to this day.
The agency quickly grew, becoming deeply entrenched in the San Diego community. Kerry Tucker joined the team in 1980 and grew the agency’s reputation as a leader in the agri-food space. From 2000 to December 2016, the agency was led by Bill Trumpfheller, a champion of local nonprofit organizations, universities and businesses.
How It’s Going
In 2020, Teresa Siles, Mary Correia-Moreno and Price Adams — with a tenure at NST of more than 15 years each — acquired the firm, vowing a commitment to the agency’s values that made it successful in the past, while embracing a spirit of exploration, evolution and organizational agility. Since then, the trio has focused the agency on three strategic priorities: people, partners and promotion. Through these priorities, the agency’s leaders are taking aim on ensuring the team has the skills, training and resources it needs; providing value to our client partners; and telling the story of NST. As an extension of these efforts, the firm has introduced its Make Things Better initiative and diversity, equity and inclusion commitment.
Our Adventures
The best event experiences don’t happen by chance. They’re built through thoughtful strategy, intentional design and small details that leave a lasting impression. Here’s a look at one of our latest experiential activations for @cawalnuts.
#experientialmarketing #pragency
NST Summer Solstice Party!🧡
At NST, we believe great work starts with great relationships. Kicking off summer together is one way we celebrate our team and honor our value of balancing hard work and fun.
#summer #sandiego #pragency
As we begin the summer season, we are excited to share some exciting wins we’ve secured for our clients recently!
NST secured a standout media opportunity for client @eosfitness with @abc15arizona, sharing the inspiring member story of 90-year-old Bill Schwarz as he prepared to run his first-ever marathon. The story garnered more than 50 syndications, including @abcworldnewstonight, and secured separate coverage in @runnersworldmag and @outside_run, significantly expanding awareness of EōS Fitness and its role in Schwarz’s remarkable journey.
During Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month, NST launched an integrated campaign for @cacitrusthreat highlighting the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s biological control efforts against the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) and raising awareness of the dangers posed by the ACP and Huanglongbing (HLB) to California’s citrus trees. Through social, earned, owned and paid media, the campaign generated more than 125 million touchpoints in April.
When purpose-driven work meets strategic storytelling, the results speak for themselves. @chworks transformation of the former Serra Mesa Library site into 59 affordable housing units is addressing one of the region’s most pressing housing challenges. Through targeted media outreach and strong local media relationships, NST secured more than 20 placements across @kpbs, @nbcsandiego, @abc10news, @fox5sandiego and @kusinews, bringing greater visibility to a project making a real impact in the community.
From amplifying inspiring stories to advancing important community initiatives, we’re proud to partner with clients who are making a difference and to deliver strategic communications that help their stories reach the audiences that matter most.
From set to scroll ✨
A peek behind the curtain of our creative process. Want to bring your next campaign to life? Reach out to us via link in bio! #pragency #processvsresult
Social media isn’t what it was a year ago, and most brands are still playing by the old rules. Here are 3 things you need to know to actually show up and stand out. Interested in working with us? Contact us using the link in our bio. #pragency #socialmediamarketing
NST has chosen workforce support for women as our newly dedicated cause for 2026!
This year, NST is participating in a clothing drive with @shariascloset to help expand professional wardrobe options, facilitating a skill-based workshop with @girlsrisingsd to share practical career readiness tips and hosting a holiday drive with @ymcasandiego to collect items for women and families in the program.
Check out our recent blog post (link in bio) for more information on our Make Things Better initiative!
#makethingsbetter #supportingwomen #workforcesupport #nst
Our clients sleep easy knowing this will never be them. Visit the link in our bio to learn more about our services. #pragency #top5horrormovies #marketing
We’re just cute working girlies 🤭 #pragency #corporatelife #marketing
Get yourself a job where you look forward to in-office days with your co-workers. #pragency #dayinthelife #hybridschedule #marketing #sandiego
From traditional media relations to strategic planning, digital marketing, and beyond. NST offers a full suite of services designed to meet you where you are and take your brand further. Explore everything we offer at the link in bio! #pragency #dreamclient
This is the energy we bring to the slack channel. Every. Single. Day. #pragency #slack
Feeling especially grateful for a community like ours. 🩵 #pragency #teamculture
