John Gallagher
Crisis Management • Strategic Communications
Chief Executive Officer
As Chief Executive Officer of Mercury Public Affairs, John Gallagher leads one of the nation's preeminent bipartisan public affairs, government relations, and strategic communications firms, directing firm-wide strategy, business development, and client services across a national practice.
A trusted advisor to CEOs, general counsels, and boards, Gallagher brings nearly three decades of experience at the intersection of business, government, and media. His client work centers on high-stakes communications: corporate reputation management, crisis and litigation strategy, and navigating complex public affairs issues. His practice spans sectors including technology, law, finance, real estate, healthcare, education and construction.
Gallagher joined Mercury in 2012 as Managing Director and became a Partner in 2017. He was named President in 2022, and assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer in 2026.
Prior to Mercury, Gallagher served as Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at Tishman Construction Company, overseeing crisis management, corporate communications and government relations, and counseling leadership on media strategy through the firm's acquisition by AECOM. He previously served as a Press Secretary and Spokesman for New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, and as Vice President of Public Affairs for the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, where he led communications for the rebuilding of Lower Manhattan following the September 11 attacks.
Earlier in his career, Gallagher held senior communications roles in the New York State Senate and directed media strategy and messaging for statewide political campaigns.
A trusted advisor to CEOs, general counsels, and boards, Gallagher brings nearly three decades of experience at the intersection of business, government, and media. His client work centers on high-stakes communications: corporate reputation management, crisis and litigation strategy, and navigating complex public affairs issues. His practice spans sectors including technology, law, finance, real estate, healthcare, education and construction.
Gallagher joined Mercury in 2012 as Managing Director and became a Partner in 2017. He was named President in 2022, and assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer in 2026.
Prior to Mercury, Gallagher served as Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at Tishman Construction Company, overseeing crisis management, corporate communications and government relations, and counseling leadership on media strategy through the firm's acquisition by AECOM. He previously served as a Press Secretary and Spokesman for New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, and as Vice President of Public Affairs for the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, where he led communications for the rebuilding of Lower Manhattan following the September 11 attacks.
Earlier in his career, Gallagher held senior communications roles in the New York State Senate and directed media strategy and messaging for statewide political campaigns.
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