Veteran Funding and Government Affairs Leader Brings Deep Expertise in Nonprofit Capacity Building and Public Affairs

CHICAGO [August 24, 2026] – Mercury Public Affairs, a leading national bipartisan public strategy firm, announces that Crystal Justice has joined the team as a Senior Vice President. Justice brings 24 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations, corporations and governments on high-impact resource development and government affairs strategies.

“Crystal is an incredible asset to our clients, especially the nonprofits we serve; she is skilled at navigating complex ecosystems and building successful strategies for the collective win across community sectors and government. Originally from Ohio, the Midwest holds a special place for her, and she is passionate about serving clients in Illinois and across the country,” said Cheri Bustos, who leads Mercury’s Illinois and Midwestern operations. “Her leadership, fundraising abilities, and passion for this work are something I have seen firsthand and I am delighted she has joined our team.”

Throughout her career as a nonprofit c-suite leader, Justice served organizations working to advance access to health care, respond to disasters, and create safer communities. She is skilled at developing strategies for increased capacity, nonpartisan/bipartisan government strategies, maximizing programmatic impact, and building sustainability through diversified funding, raising more than $275 million throughout her career. Formerly with the National Domestic Violence Hotline and most recently through her own firm, Crystal Justice Consulting LLC, she has worked to solve some of this country’s toughest problems in collaboration with both the private and public sectors.

“My true passion is harnessing the collective power of philanthropy, educational institutions, government agencies and community stakeholders all joining to mobilize for good. Joining the Mercury Illinois team is a true honor and opportunity to take this important work even further alongside our talented and passionate team,” said Crystal Justice.

Justice is a certified nonprofit executive leader through the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE). She has worked with Democrat and Republican administrations, U.S. government agencies, and many large corporations looking to advance their social responsibility and philanthropic impact.

Justice’s addition reflects Mercury’s continued investment in Illinois and its ongoing expansion of integrated government relations, grant support and public affairs capabilities across the Midwest.

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. With 15 offices nationwide, Mercury is part of Omnicom Public Relations. Learn more at www.mercuryllc.com

About Omnicom Public Relations
Omnicom Public Relations (OPR) is Omnicom’s global public relations capability and one of the company’s Connected Capabilities. Operating through leading agency brands, OPR advises and activates for clients across corporate and brand communications, health, public affairs, and social impact. OPR connects world-class talent with shared platforms, technology, and data-driven intelligence, including Omnicom’s Omni platform, to deliver integrated communications that shape reputation, drive influence, and produce measurable impact worldwide.