Two Former Senior White House Officials Join Mercury

Washington, D.C. – Mercury, a leading global, bipartisan public strategy firm, announced the addition of seasoned lobbyists Steve Hilton and Rodney Emery to its Washington, D.C. office. Hilton, who served in senior leadership positions in both the public and private sector, joins Mercury as a Managing Director. Emery, with over 20 years of government affairs experience, joins Mercury as a Senior Vice President.

“We are delighted to welcome Steve and Rodney to Mercury’s bipartisan team,” said Mercury Partner Vin Weber. “These two experts offer unique perspectives on D.C.’s ever-evolving political landscape, and add an invaluable strength to our work with clients around the globe. Mercury was founded as a bipartisan consultancy, and is deeply committed to growing our ranks globally to reflect that fundamental component of the firm.”

Hilton served as Vice President of Global Government and Public Affairs for McDonald’s Corporation for 7 years, where he built and led a team managing the company’s state, federal and international government activities. Previously, Hilton served as a member of President Obama’s transition team in 2008, Deputy Assistant to the President & Chief of Staff in the White House Office of Public Liaison under President Bill Clinton and as a Senior Legislative Assistant and a Judiciary Committee Chief Counsel for Senator Arlen Specter.

A 25-year veteran, Hilton achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. He was also appointed by President Bill Clinton to be a Commissioner on the American Battle Monuments Commission, which constructed the World War II and Korean War Memorials on the National Mall.

“I am excited to join Mercury and help build its bipartisan portfolio,” said Hilton. “It is a lively time in Washington, D.C. and I look forward to bringing my business and public service experience to Mercury’s unparalleled team of experts.”

Prior to joining Mercury, Emery worked for The Madison Group, where he advised clients on local, federal and international issues. Previously, Emery served as Chief of Staff for Congressman Steven Horsford and in President Obama’s Administration as a presidential appointee. His first appointment was at the United States Department of Commerce, where Emery served as the Director of Congressional Affairs for the International Trade Administration (ITA). His second appointment was at the United States General Services Administration (GSA), where he served as the Associate Administrator of the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Prior to accepting his presidential appointments, Emery served as the Vice President of Public Policy and Research for the Council on Foundations, where he was the lead policy advisor for the trade association representing the nation's largest foundations before Congress.

“I am thrilled to join the Mercury team, well-known for its exceptional talent and public affairs operation,” said Emery. “I look forward to working alongside some of the top political minds in the business and helping clients navigate the often volatile world of policy and politics.”

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
[email protected]
202-261- 4000