Veteran communications leader strengthens Mercury’s capabilities in social impact, nonprofit, and purpose-driven communications

CHICAGO, April 13, 2026 – Mercury Public Affairs, a leading national bipartisan public strategy firm, today announced that Maureen Jasculca has joined the firm as a Managing Director, based in Chicago. Jasculca brings nearly two decades of experience in strategic communications and public affairs, along with an established portfolio of mission-driven clients, marking a strategic expansion of Mercury’s communications capabilities in Illinois and across the Midwest.

“Maureen is a respected leader in Chicago and nationally, with a track record of helping organizations navigate complex communications challenges and drive meaningful impact,” said Cheri Bustos, Partner at Mercury, who runs its Illinois and Midwestern operations. “She is a trusted partner to clients, and in our field, that is essential to delivering results and continuing to expand our work in Illinois.”

Jasculca is the founder and president of MJ Strategic Communications, a Chicago public affairs firm serving nonprofits, foundations, government agencies, and civic organizations, primarily in the education, health, and cultural sectors. Prior to founding the firm in 2016, she held roles at APCO Worldwide, Jasculca Terman Strategic Communications, and the Terra Foundation for American Art.

Over the course of her career, Jasculca has provided strategic counsel and hands-on communications support to organizations working to advance educational success, improve health outcomes, strengthen arts and cultural initiatives, and much more.

Through this transition, MJ Strategic Communications will integrate into Mercury, bringing its clients and expertise into the firm and immediately enhancing Mercury’s ability to deliver high- impact communications and public affairs strategies. At Mercury, Maureen will advise clients on stakeholder engagement, reputation management, earned media strategy, and strategic storytelling, with a particular focus on organizations and institutions seeking to scale their impact.

“Joining Mercury represents an important next chapter for both my clients and my work,” Jasculca said. “I’ve always believed that strong communications starts with understanding the people behind the mission – their audiences, their challenges, and their goals. By bringing my practice into the firm, we’re combining a commitment to exceptional client service with Mercury’s national and bipartisan resources, allowing us to deliver even greater value and impact for the organizations we serve.”

Jasculca’s addition reflects Mercury’s continued investment in Illinois, expanding its team and strengthening its ability to serve clients at the intersection of public affairs, communications, and policy.

About Mercury
Mercury (www.mercuryllc.com) is a high-stakes, bipartisan public strategy firm providing federal and state government relations, international affairs, digital influence, public opinion research, media strategy, and grassroots mobilization in all 50 states.