Cerrell’s storied political career began in the 1950s at the University of Southern California (USC), where he started the Trojan Democratic Club. Cerrell played key roles in the presidential campaigns of John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Hubert H. Humphrey, Lloyd Bentsen, John Glenn and Al Gore. As the founder of Los Angeles-based Cerrell Associates Inc., he built a public affairs firm known for not only expert political campaign management, but also for its public relations and public affairs services to corporate and nonprofit clients.
Proud of his Italian-American heritage, Cerrell (born Joseph Cerrella) energetically promoted the contributions of Italian-Americans in Los Angeles and around the world. He served as vice-chair and president of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF); vice-chair of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations, and was appointed to the California Italian-American Task Force by Gov. Pete Wilson. Additionally, he was chairman of the board of the Italy America Chamber of Commerce West and served as regional vice president of the American Society of the Italian Legions of Merit. He was also a member of the Sons of Italy, UNICO, and the Federated Italo-Americans of Southern California.
Joe Cerrell was a great political player and an important member of the Italian American community. His passion ran deep in supporting Italian American causes, Los Angeles civic programs and educational opportunities for young people. He wss a great father and grandfather too. Steve Bulllock
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