Jordan Raccah

MERCURY EXPANDS ILLINOIS TEAM

July 22, 2024 / No Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hannah Knoch, [email protected]

July 22, 2024

MERCURY EXPANDS ILLINOIS TEAM
Mercury adds leading elections lawyer, James Hartmann, to its growing Illinois shop

CHICAGO – Mercury, a leading global bipartisan public strategy firm, announced it has hired James Hartmann to work at its Illinois offices.

Hartmann is a Chicago-based attorney who has served as Chief Counsel to the Illinois Speaker of the House, as well as House Parliamentarian and House Democratic Ethics Officer. With his hire, Mercury has added another top-notch strategist who has relationships with influential policymakers in Illinois.

“James Hartmann adds yet another skill set to Mercury’s comprehensive public strategy team in Chicago and Springfield,” said Mercury Co-Chair and Partner Cheri Bustos, who runs the firm’s Illinois operation. “We have deep relationships inside and outside of federal, state and city government. James adds to that with his legal, electoral, and regulatory knowhow.”

Hartmann shared, “I’m excited to join the growing and dynamic team at Mercury. I look forward to using my legislative and legal expertise to advocate for our clients and drive impactful change.”

Prior to joining Mercury, Hartmann played a crucial role in some of the most consequential legislation in Illinois history. Notable examples of his work include acting as a lead House negotiator and drafter of the SAFE-T Act and Pre-Trial Fairness Act, as well as several pieces of legislation that promoted gun safety and gun control like the Protect Illinois Communities Act, which banned assault weapons, and the Illinois’ firearm red flag law. Additionally, he negotiated and drafted legislation that legalized sports betting in Illinois and legislation that authorized a casino in Chicago.

He was also the primary negotiator and drafter of multiple election law bills, including initiatives that expanded vote by mail, allowed for voting centers, protected disabled voter access, and established an elected Chicago School Board. In addition to his legislative work, Hartmann has represented hundreds of candidates in all aspects of the election process, from campaign compliance, to petition challenges and election recounts. In 2023, he was named to Chicago Lawyer Magazine’s 40 under 40.

About Mercury 

Mercury is a high-stakes, bipartisan public strategy firm. With 20 offices and 130 team members, 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. In addition to its two offices in Illinois, Mercury has U.S. offices in Washington, D.C., New York, California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, Texas, and South Carolina. Mercury is a part of the Omnicom Public Relations Group.

About Omnicom PR Group (OPRG)   

Omnicom PR Group (OPRG) is the largest global network of communications and consulting agencies in the world. It is home to three of the top global PR agencies FleishmanHillard, Ketchum, Porter Novelli and more than a dozen specialist agencies in corporate and public affairs, political consulting and advertising, language strategy, global health strategy and organizational transformation. OPRG is part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC). www.TeamOPRG.com.

Mercury Taps Derek Jansen as California Managing Director

July 8, 2024 / No Comments

Communications Strategist and Political Consultant Derek Jansen Joins Mercury Public Affairs to Lead Sacramento Expansion

SACRAMENTO, CA (July 8, 2024) — Mercury Public Affairs today announced that Derek Jansen has joined the global, bipartisan public strategy firm to lead their expansion into the Sacramento political, government relations, and communications market. Derek is a political and communications strategist with extensive experience working for political, government, and nonprofit clients facing electoral and advocacy challenges throughout California. He joins the California team led by Co-Chairs Herb Wesson, former Speaker of the Assembly and President of the City Council, and Partner Veronica Perez, as a Managing Director.

“As we continue to grow and expand Mercury’s California business, we need a leader in the Sacramento area with experience and skill and Derek is the right addition to our team,” said Herb Wesson, Co-Chair of Mercury California. “Advocacy, campaign work, and communications strategy are key functions of what we do and finding a person with the right combination of those skills is not easy.  With Derek, we’ve succeeded in finding all three and are looking forward to his bright future with Mercury.”

“Because of the size of the California economy and its impact on policy discussions nationally and globally we have always thought that as a leading high-stakes public strategy firm, we needed to bring our expertise back to Sacramento,” said Kieran Mahoney, CEO of Mercury Public Affairs. “Having Derek join Veronica and Speaker Wesson to build our presence here will provide California industry and organizations with access to our exceptional national network of proven talent in media, government, business, politics, and tech.”

Prior to joining Mercury, Derek worked for a leading California issue advocacy and political communications firm for nearly a decade on a wide range of issues including education policy, climate action, public health, tobacco control, criminal justice, and affordable housing. Additionally, Derek served in a senior political role for Tom Steyer’s NextGen Climate, cut his teeth in crisis communications at Singer Associates Public Relations, helped lead the Ed Lee for Mayor of San Francisco campaign (2011), and taught elementary school for two years in New York City as a Teach For America corps member.

Derek has served as an advisor and media consultant on political campaigns at the local, regional, and statewide levels, and will continue to serve as lead strategist, media consultant, and spokesperson for Ahsha Safaí for Mayor of San Francisco.

Derek lives in Sacramento with his wife, Victoria Hassid, and their daughter, Olivia.

 

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. In addition to New York, the firm has U.S. offices in Washington, D.C., California, New Jersey, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Texas. Mercury is a part of the Omnicom Public Relations Group.

 

About Omnicom PR Group (OPRG)

Omnicom PR Group (OPRG) is the largest global network of communications and consulting agencies in the world. It is home to three of the top global PR agencies Fleishman Hillard, Ketchum, and Porter Novelli, and more than a dozen specialist agencies in corporate and public affairs, political consulting and advertising, language strategy, global health strategy, and organizational transformation. OPRG is part of Omnicom (NYSE: OMC).

Mercury Welcomes Senior Strategists Candace Sandy and Gregory Smiley to New York Office

June 4, 2024 / No Comments

For Immediate Release

June 4, 2024

Addition of Two Senior Consultants Continues Growth in the New York Office

New York, NY, June 4, 2024 – Mercury, a bipartisan high-stakes public strategy firm, announced today that communications and public affairs strategists Candace Sandy and Gregory Smiley are joining Mercury’s New York office.

“Candace and Greg are fantastic additions to our team of top strategists, as we continue to grow our footprint in New York and nationally.  Their wealth of experience providing exceptional counsel to some of the most prominent national and global elected leaders as well as C-suite and nonprofit executives will be invaluable to our clients” said Mercury Partner Charlie King. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with both Candace and Greg on critical policy campaigns and look forward to continuing to work with them as they join our firm.”

Candace joins Mercury with over 20 years of experience serving in senior communications roles, including as Communications Director for Congressman Gregory Meeks and the New York City Department of Probation. She also served on the press team for several Presidential campaigns, including Biden-Harris 2020 in North Carolina and Hillary for America in Northern Nevada. Candace is an award-winning author and co-chairs a national, nonpartisan campaign to increase civic and political participation.

Greg brings over 15 years of experience in policy, politics, government, higher education, and the private sector. Before joining Mercury, Greg founded and led his own public affairs firm, where he advised C-suite and nonprofit leaders. His notable work includes advising a U.S. presidential candidate, serving as campaign manager for a U.S. Senate campaign, acting as Senior Advisor to a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services and Select Committee on Intelligence, and serving as Senior Advisor to global financier Ray McGuire during his 2021 mayoral campaign. Greg currently serves as a full member of the Economic Club of New York.

 

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. In addition to New York, the firm has U.S. offices in Washington, D.C., California, New Jersey, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Texas. Mercury is a part of the Omnicom Public Relations Group.

 

About Omnicom PR Group (OPRG) 

Omnicom PR Group (OPRG) is the largest global network of communications and consulting agencies in the world. It is home to three of the top global PR agencies Fleishman Hillard, Ketchum, and Porter Novelli, and more than a dozen specialist agencies in corporate and public affairs, political consulting and advertising, language strategy, global health strategy, and organizational transformation. OPRG is part of Omnicom (NYSE: OMC).

Mercury Names Veronica Perez California Chair

December 15, 2023 / No Comments

Government Relations Veteran, Founder and CEO of Veronica Perez & Associates, to join as Partner to Lead Mercury’s California Business

LOS ANGELES, CA (December 15, 2023) – Mercury, a leading global, bipartisan public strategy firm, today announced that Veronica Perez is joining the firm as a partner and co-chair of their California business. As founder and CEO of Veronica Perez & Associates, a leading Latina-owned lobbying firm with a track record of representing some of the largest companies and nonprofits in Los Angeles, Perez brings more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of LA’s legal, business, and political worlds.  Perez will begin leading Mercury’s reestablished Los Angeles business in January and will open a new LA office later that month.

“When Mercury approached me to lead their reentry into California, I knew that this was an opportunity to expand our advocacy for businesses and job creators in our local communities,” said Veronica Perez. “My teams’ legal, policy and political expertise combined with the extensive connections that Mercury’s platform provides, will make us a powerhouse for advocacy and public affairs in Los Angeles.”

“As a founder CEO, Veronica fit the leader profile we were looking for when we sought to establish a new Los Angeles presence. She is a self-starting, well regarded entrepreneur with a dedicated client base in the market,” said Kieran Mahoney, CEO of Mercury. “Veronica is the right person to head our expansion and growth on the West Coast, and to build a business that expands what we do best – solve complex client problems and develop strategies that produce results.”

Prior to founding Veronica Perez & Associates, Veronica led the West Coast Public Policy and Regulation practice group as a partner at international law firm Holland & Knight where she represented clients at agencies such as Los Angeles World Airports, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, and the Los Angeles Community College District. She also led the Central City Association’s Legislative and Legal Affairs Department, successfully advancing the organization’s public policy agenda on a broad range of issues.

Veronica is a founding board member of the Women of City Hall event which has celebrated the diverse women who lead Los Angeles for over 10 years. Named a “Rising Star” by Southern California Super Lawyers Magazine, Veronica received her B.A. from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and her J.D. from Columbia University Law School.

 

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. In addition to California, the firm has U.S. offices in Washington, D.C., New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Texas. Mercury is a part of the Omnicom Public Relations Group.

About Omnicom PR Group (OPRG)    

Omnicom PR Group (OPRG) is the largest global network of communications and consulting agencies in the world. It is home to three of the top global PR agencies Fleishman Hillard, Ketchum, Porter Novelli and more than a dozen specialist agencies in corporate and public affairs, political consulting and advertising, language strategy, global health strategy and organizational transformation. OPRG is part of Omnicom (NYSE: OMC).

 

Contact

John Gallagher

[email protected]

(212) 681-1380

Mercury Expands Illinois Presence With The Additions Of Nick Bustos And Michael Morthland

August 22, 2023 / No Comments

CHICAGO (May 5, 2023) – Mercury, a leading global, bipartisan public strategy firm, has hired two leading names in Illinois politics, Nick Bustos and Michael Morthland. These additions will strengthen Mercury’s presence and expertise in the Midwest.

Nick Bustos joins Mercury with over a decade of experience in politics, state government, business development, public relations, marketing, and communications. Before joining Mercury, Nick served as a Vice President of Marketing in the agriculture manufacturing industry, where he oversaw marketing, communications, and reputation management. He is known for leveraging out-of-the box, multi-channel marketing strategies to deliver 8-figure revenue growth and elevate his company’s profile to a nationally recognized, well-respected brand.

Prior to working in the private sector, Nick spent several years in state government, working in various capacities for the Illinois Governor and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. He has also worked in or advised various political campaigns at the local, state, and federal levels.

Michael Morthland joined Mercury’s Illinois office after spending nearly a decade at top levels of Illinois Executive and Legislative Government, serving as Assistant Counsel to the Illinois Speaker of the House of Representatives and Pritzker Administration.

As Assistant Counsel to the speaker, Michael was charged with writing, negotiating and defending bills through the legislative process including on complicated and sensitive subjects of labor, pharmacy benefit managers and prescription drug supply chain, insurance, $15 minimum wage, environment and energy, and transportation and infrastructure. In 2020, Michael joined the Governor Pritzker Administration as Chief of Staff at the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.  While at IDFPR, Michael composed strategies around building the new adult use cannabis infrastructure, fintech oversight and regulation, communications, and professional regulation. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, Michael joined the Department of Public Health as Deputy Chief of Staff, overseeing efforts around strategic building and communications, government relations, crisis management and communication, medical cannabis, workforce development, strategic procurement, and systems management and construction.

Both Nick and Michael were born, raised and educated in Illinois and understand Midwestern values and politics. They also both come from a long line of public servants, providing first-hand knowledge and experience with how government works, how to make connections, nurture relationships, find solutions to complex problems, and win.

Former Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, D-Ill., leads Mercury’s team in Illinois. “Nick Bustos brings not only a deep family background in Midwestern politics, agriculture and business, but also a hands-on knowledge of that trio of key issue areas. Michael Morthland, with his multigenerational roots in Illinois, law and government, brings the practical know-how to solve issues for anyone needing to navigate the complexity of today’s world. Our growing Mercury team stands ready to take on challenges from any direction.”

 

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. In addition to Illinois, the firm has U.S. offices in Washington, D.C., New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, Montana, Texas and South Carolina. 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, language strategy, global health strategy and change management. As the largest group of communications professionals in the world, our employees provide 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 Communications Consultancy Network, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC).

 

Contact: 

John Gallagher

[email protected]

(212) 681-1380

Mercury-Illinois Adds Top Talent as Former Senator Toi Hutchinson and Zach Koutsky Join Growing Firm

August 22, 2023 / No Comments

CHICAGO (July 26, 2023) – Mercury, a leading global, bipartisan public strategy firm, announced two additions to its growing presence in Chicago and Springfield, Ill., with the additions of former Illinois State Senator and Senior Advisor to Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker Toi Hutchinson and longtime Democratic strategist and lobbyist Zach Koutsky. Mercury’s expanding roster of top strategists have unparalleled relationships with elected officials and changemakers at all levels, including in Washington, D.C. and throughout the Midwest.

Hutchinson joins Mercury after serving as the first woman President and CEO of the Marijuana Policy Project. From 2009 to 2019, Hutchinson served as an Illinois State Senator representing the 40th District. During her time in the Senate, Hutchinson championed a variety of causes, including modernizing the state’s tax structure, and notably, legalizing cannabis as an original co-sponsor of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (CRTA), a law which promotes equity and invests in the communities that suffered through the war on drugs. Hutchinson’s work on the CRTA continues to serve as a model for the legalization and decriminalization of cannabis in other states.

“I am thrilled to have former Senator Hutchinson join our Mercury-Illinois team,” said former Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, Mercury Co-Chair. “Her background as an influential advocate for meaningful causes makes her an expert at navigating difficult situations and a strong ally in Illinois and nationally.”

While in the Senate, Hutchinson also served as the 46th president of the National Conference of State Legislatures where she formed relationships with policymakers across the country. Hutchinson left the Senate in 2019 following the passage of the CRTA to accept an appointment by Gov. Pritzker to serve as the Senior Advisor to the Governor for Cannabis Control.

Koutsky brings to Mercury-Illinois deep roots in organized labor, Democratic politics and government relations. Bustos said, “As an experienced strategist and tactician, Zach Koutsky is another strong addition to our Mercury-Illinois team. With solid relationships in Chicago and Springfield, he will undoubtedly help move the needle for our clients.”

Prior to joining Mercury, Koutsky founded Berteau Consulting, a boutique government relations and political consulting firm based in Chicago with clients in Springfield and City Hall, alongside political clients at the local, state, and federal level.  Koutsky previously served as the Legislative and Political Director to a statewide 35,000-member labor union, with stints in state government and senior positions in political campaigns at all levels including State Treasurer Mike Frerichs and both of Barack Obama’s Presidential campaigns. He is a proud graduate of Illinois State University and University of Illinois-Chicago and is raising his three children with his wife in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood.

 

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. In addition to Illinois, the firm has U.S. offices in Washington, D.C., New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, Montana, Texas and South Carolina. 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, language strategy, global health strategy and change management. As the largest group of communications professionals in the world, our employees provide 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 Communications Consultancy Network, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC).

 

Contact:
Hannah Knoch
[email protected]

Mercury Taps Policy, Corporate and Coalition Management Veteran Shannon Campagna

July 12, 2023 / No Comments

WASHINGTON, DC (July 12, 2023) – Mercury, a leading global, bipartisan public strategy firm, today announced the addition of Shannon Campagna, who has led global government affairs at large multinational companies, including Mars, Inc. and Safeway. She will be joining former Rep. Cheri Bustos in growing the firm’s Food and Agriculture Policy practice, as well as working across other issue areas.

Shannon served as Head of Federal Government Affairs at Mars, Inc., where she led successful advocacy campaigns on an array of issues including tax, commodities, sustainability, foreign aid, food safety, and trade. She has deep expertise in consumer-packaged goods, food, beverage, retail, supply chain, and agriculture and has had success in financial services, tax, and health policy.

“Shannon’s work with Fortune 500 companies and national and global industry trade associations gives her a unique perspective on broad swaths of the economy, and a particular insight into client service. She understands deeply what heads of DC offices need to best serve their c-suite,” said Mercury CEO Kieran Mahoney. “We are thrilled to welcome her to the team.”

She also served as the Vice President of Federal Government Relations at Safeway, where she opened and led Safeway’s Washington office, representing the company before the Administration and Congress.

“Shannon’s policy experience and her relationships will make her an indispensable member of our team,” said former Rep. Toby Moffett, Mercury Co-Chair and Partner.

 

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 U.S. offices in Washington, D.C., New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, Montana, Texas, and South Carolina. 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, language strategy, global health strategy and change management. As the largest group of communications professionals in the world, our employees provide 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 Communications Consultancy Network, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC).

About Omnicom Group

Omnicom Group Inc. is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom’s branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 70 countries. Follow us on Twitter for the latest news.

 

Contact:
Dan Wilson
[email protected]