Global Bipartisan Strategy Firm Adds to its Leadership Ranks with Key Promotions in the Sacramento and Los Angeles Offices

Sacramento, CA – Mercury, a leading global, bipartisan public strategy firm, announced today the addition of four new partners to the firm’s leadership in California, marking a historic moment in the company’s 10 years of business in the Golden State. The four new partners are: Tracy Arnold, Paul Bauer and Duncan McFetridge in Sacramento, as well as Glenn Gritzner in Los Angeles. John Gallagher and John Lonergan were also named Mercury partners in New York and Washington, DC respectively.   

“I am elated to welcome four new partners to the Mercury California operation,” said Mercury Partner Fabian Nunez. “Paul, Duncan, Tracy and Glenn have transformed our capabilities, demonstrating strong leadership and enabling enormous growth throughout their years with the firm, and I look forward to their continued success in service to our clients and in contribution to our partnership.”

Tracy Arnold joined Mercury’s Sacramento office in 2009. Arnold is a skilled public affairs and communications strategist, with expertise in developing and managing award-winning public education campaigns. Most notably, she was the lead strategist for The California Endowment’s statewide Medi-Cal outreach and enrollment effort, which resulted in more than 4 million new health coverage enrollments across the state of California. Arnold’s experience covers a wide range of issues including international relations, economic policy, health care and social justice. She previously served as director of jobs and economic growth in the Office of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and was a member of Governor Schwarzenegger’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act task force.  

Glenn Gritzner boasts an extensive background in political outreach, policy analysis, communication and media strategy, with particular expertise in education, urban planning and development issues. He joined Mercury’s Los Angeles office in 2009, managing and expanding the public affairs team over the last 6 years. Gritzner previously served as special assistant to the superintendent and director of external affairs for the Los Angeles Unified School District.  He co-founded the Southern California Transportation and Land Use Coalition, and holds particular expertise and involvement in Southern California politics.

Paul Bauer is a key figure in California government relations, and has been involved in some of the most high-profile policy debates in California, spanning a host of issues including health care, transportation, energy, gaming and education. Bauer joined Mercury Sacramento as its principal lobbyist in 2010.  Over the course of his tenure with the firm, he helped secure more than $100 million in state and federal funds for the Colton Crossing project, $400 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) stimulus dollars for a major high-speed rail project and more than $400 million in tax credits for a major aerospace company.  His government affairs experience has fostered deep relationships across the public and private sectors in California and nationwide.

Duncan McFetridge has extensive government affairs experience at both the state and federal levels, having lobbied on high-profile ridesharing, energy, telecommunications and aerospace industry issues for more than 23 years. McFetridge joined Mercury Sacramento in 2013, helping lead the firm’s government relations capability on the west coast.  Prior to his tenure with the firm, McFetridge led the Sacramento office of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck.  He previously served as a legislative and policy director for California State Treasurer Philip Angelides, as a consultant for the Assembly Insurance Committee and on Capitol Hill for Congressman Vic Fazio.

Arnold, Bauer, Gallagher, Gritzner, Lonergan and McFetridge all previously served as Managing Directors in their respective offices. They joined the Mercury partnership on March 15, 2017.

Mercury also announced the promotion of Jorge Garrido to senior vice president. Garrido, who previously served as vice president in the Los Angeles office, joined Mercury in 2012, and provides strategic counsel and execution to a wide range of national and statewide public affairs campaigns.

“Today’s promotions underscore Mercury California’s continued growth in public affairs and lobbying,” added Mercury Partner Stefan Friedman. “We are proud of the accomplishments of these key members of the Mercury team, and their leadership will be critical to our firm’s ongoing push to expand our capabilities and deepen our expertise in the key issues affecting the state.”

Mercury recently expanded its government affairs practice, hiring lobbyists Justin Fanslau as senior vice president in Sacramento and Kyndell Gaglio as vice president in Los Angeles. In November, Mercury added Whitney Alderson as senior vice president in Los Angeles, overseeing its West Coast digital practice.

About Mercury

Mercury is a high-stakes, bipartisan public strategy firm. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services that includes federal government relations, international affairs, digital influence, public opinion research, media strategy and a bipartisan grassroots mobilization network in all 50 states. Our firm is not just led by top talent — we distinguish ourselves by having senior talent deeply engaged in each project from start to finish, a promise we keep to clients. The firm has an established global presence, with U.S. offices in Washington, DC, New York, California, New Jersey, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida and Tennessee, as well as international offices in London and Mexico City.  Mercury is a part of the Omnicom Public Relations Group.

About Omnicom Public Relations Group
Omnicom Public Relations Group is a global collective of three of the top global public relations agencies worldwide and specialist agencies in areas including public affairs, marketing to women, fashion, public health and corporate social responsibility. It encompasses more than 6,000 public relations professionals in more than 330 offices worldwide who provide their expertise to companies, government agencies, NGOs and nonprofits across a wide range of industries. Omnicom Public Relations Group delivers for clients through a relentless focus on talent, continuous pursuit of innovation and a culture steeped in collaboration. Omnicom Public Relations Group is part of the DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. that includes more than 200 companies in a wide range of marketing disciplines including advertising, public relations, healthcare, customer relationship management, events, promotional marketing, branding and research.

Contact:
Jessica Ng
(916) 444-1380
[email protected]

Former Mayoral Spokesman is a Leader in Real Estate and Construction Practice

New York, NY – Mercury, a leading global, bipartisan public strategy firm, today announced that John P. Gallagher has been made a Partner at the firm. Prior to joining Mercury, Gallagher served as a spokesman for New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and head of Public Affairs for Tishman Realty.  He specializes in external strategy, media relations and crisis communications for a diverse group of clients including leaders in the real estate, construction and development.

“John is one of the best communications strategists in the country,” said Mercury Partner Michael McKeon. “His public affairs expertise is second to none, particularly in the real estate development and construction sectors. He has been a valuable asset to the firm and our clients over the last several years, and we look forward to his continued leadership at the firm and success for our clients going forward.”

Prior to joining Mercury, John was senior vice president of public affairs for Tishman Construction Company and Tishman Realty LP, where he was responsible for all external affairs, media relations, corporate social responsibility and government relations for the company.  John joined Tishman after serving as first deputy press secretary and spokesman for New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, where he managed day-to-day media relations and oversaw press operations for numerous city agencies.  Prior to that, he held several communications positions with the New York State Legislature and was involved in numerous political campaigns.

“In my nearly five years at Mercury, the firm has grown into a best-in-class international public strategy firm that knows how to win in tough situations and secure important results for our clients,” said Gallagher. “I am honored to join the leadership ranks that will continue to grow the firm, and to provide innovative and unique solutions for clients like only we can.”

About Mercury

Mercury is a high-stakes, bipartisan public strategy firm. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services that includes federal government relations, international affairs, digital influence, public opinion research, media strategy and a bipartisan grassroots mobilization network in all 50 states. Our firm is not just led by top talent — we distinguish ourselves by having senior talent deeply engaged in each project from start to finish, a promise we keep to clients. The firm has an established global presence, with U.S. offices in Washington, DC, New York, California, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida and Tennessee, as well as international offices in London and Mexico City. Mercury is a part of the Omnicom Public Relations Group.

About Omnicom Public Relations Group

Omnicom Public Relations Group is a global collective of three of the top global public relations agencies worldwide and specialist agencies in areas including public affairs, marketing to women, fashion, public health and corporate social responsibility. It encompasses more than 6,000 public relations professionals in more than 330 offices worldwide who provide their expertise to companies, government agencies, NGOs and nonprofits across a wide range of industries. Omnicom Public Relations Group delivers for clients through a relentless focus on talent, continuous pursuit of innovation and a culture steeped in collaboration. Omnicom Public Relations Group is part of the DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. that includes more than 200 companies in a wide range of marketing disciplines including advertising, public relations, healthcare, customer relationship management, events, promotional marketing, branding and research.

Contact:

Chapin Fay
212-681-1380
[email protected]

Global Bipartisan Strategy Firm Adds to its Leadership Ranks with Promotions in the New York, California and Washington, DC Offices

Washington, DC – Mercury, a leading global, bipartisan public strategy firm, announced today the addition of six new partners to the firm’s leadership, marking a historic moment in the company’s 18 years of business.  The six new partners are: Tracy Arnold, Paul Bauer, John Gallagher, Glenn Gritzner, John Lonergan and Duncan McFetridge.  

“It is a rare and wonderful privilege to jointly announce six new partners,” said Mercury CEO Kieran Mahoney.  “Each of these individuals has an incredible record of success and embodies the values and culture of Mercury.  Their contributions to the firm are significant in number and magnitude, and we are excited to continue to watch them flourish as they join the partnership.”

Mercury NYC

John Gallagher began his Mercury tenure in 2013, taking on a leading role at the firm’s New York City office.  Gallagher is renowned for his expertise in the real estate, construction and development sectors, in addition to his skills in media relations, crisis communications and public and government affairs. Prior to Mercury, Gallagher served as senior vice president for public affairs for the Tishman Construction Company and Tishman Realty LP.  He is best known in New York for his role as the spokesman for former New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.  

Mercury Washington, DC

John Lonergan has managed Mercury DC’s public affairs operation for the past five years, building and leading integrated campaigns to help deliver tangible business outcomes for the firm’s clients. Lonergan originally worked out of Mercury’s NYC office, having played senior roles in campaigns for former New York Governor George Pataki.  This extensive background in public opinion research, messaging and paid media helps deliver wins to a variety of political and policy communications initiatives. Lonergan has developed a successful track record managing complex public affairs projects involving health care, telecommunications and technology policy.

Mercury California

Tracy Arnold joined Mercury’s Sacramento office in 2009. She is a skilled public affairs and communications strategist, with expertise in developing and managing award-winning public education campaigns. Most notably, Arnold was the lead strategist for The California Endowment’s statewide Medi-Cal outreach and enrollment effort, which resulted in more than 4 million new health coverage enrollments across the state of California. Arnold’s experience covers a wide range of issues, including international relations, economic policy, health care and social justice. She previously served as director of jobs and economic growth in the Office of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and was a member of Governor Schwarzenegger’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act task force. 

Glenn Gritzner boasts an extensive background in political outreach, policy analysis, communication and media strategy, with particular expertise in education, urban planning and development issues. He joined Mercury’s Los Angeles office in 2009, managing and expanding the public affairs team over the last 6 years. Gritzner previously served as special assistant to the superintendent and director of external affairs for the Los Angeles Unified School District.  He co-founded the Southern California Transportation and Land Use Coalition, and holds particular expertise and involvement in Southern California politics.

Paul Bauer is a key figure in California government relations, and has been involved in some of the most high-profile policy debates in California, spanning a host of issues including health care, transportation, energy, gaming and education. Bauer joined Mercury Sacramento as its principal lobbyist in 2010.  Over the course of his tenure with the firm, he helped secure more than $100 million in state and federal funds for the Colton Crossing project, $400 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) stimulus dollars for a major high-speed rail project and more than $400 million in tax credits for a major aerospace company.  His government affairs experience has fostered deep relationships across the public and private sectors in California and nationwide.

Duncan McFetridge has extensive government affairs experience at both the state and federal levels, having lobbied on high-profile ridesharing, energy, telecommunications and aerospace industry issues for more than 23 years. Duncan joined Mercury Sacramento in 2013, helping lead the firm’s government relations capability on the west coast.  Prior to his tenure with the firm, McFetridge led the Sacramento office of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck.  He previously served as a legislative and policy director for California State Treasurer Philip Angelides, as a consultant for the Assembly Insurance Committee and on Capitol Hill for Congressman Vic Fazio.

“I am elated to welcome four new partners to the Mercury California operation,” said Fabian Nunez, Mercury partner.  “Paul, Duncan, Tracy and Glenn have transformed our capabilities, demonstrating strong leadership and enabling enormous growth throughout their years with the firm.  Congratulations to all six new partners on a well-deserved promotion.”

Arnold, Bauer, Gallagher, Gritzner, Lonergan and McFetridge all previously served as Managing Directors in their respective offices.  They joined the Mercury partnership on March 15, 2017.

About Mercury

Mercury is a high-stakes, bipartisan public strategy firm. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services that includes federal government relations, international affairs, digital influence, public opinion research, media strategy and a bipartisan grassroots mobilization network in all 50 states. Our firm is not just led by top talent — we distinguish ourselves by having senior talent deeply engaged in each project from start to finish, a promise we keep to clients. The firm has an established global presence, with U.S. offices in Washington, DC, New York, California, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida and Tennessee, as well as international offices in London and Mexico City.  Mercury is a part of the Omnicom Public Relations Group.

About Omnicom Public Relations Group

Omnicom Public Relations Group is a global collective of three of the top global public relations agencies worldwide and specialist agencies in areas including public affairs, marketing to women, fashion, public health and corporate social responsibility. It encompasses more than 6,000 public relations professionals in more than 330 offices worldwide who provide their expertise to companies, government agencies, NGOs and nonprofits across a wide range of industries. Omnicom Public Relations Group delivers for clients through a relentless focus on talent, continuous pursuit of innovation and a culture steeped in collaboration. Omnicom Public Relations Group is part of the DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. that includes more than 200 companies in a wide range of marketing disciplines including advertising, public relations, healthcare, customer relationship management, events, promotional marketing, branding and research.

Contact:
Georgia Patrascu
202-261-4000
[email protected]