Mercury Public Affairs, LLC

Go Kuae! We’re so proud of our VP of Media Relations Kuae Noel Kelch, who recently discussed her time with Vice President Kamala Harris at Howard University as line sisters in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the oldest sorority founded by African American women and one of the Divine Nine organizations. “Everyone knew that Kamala was calm and cool and collected under stress, under deadlines, under anything that we had to do together,” she told the Bay State Banner. “Kamala had leadership from the very beginning. We saw it and we knew it.” https://shorturl.at/vGjAS

One of the keys to Mercury’s success over the past 25 years has been our dynamic suite of services – from government relations to media strategy to digital communications. And our digital team continues to grow with the recent hire of Senior Vice President James Anderson! As a top digital marketing and public affairs strategist based out of our Washington, D.C., office, Jim brings more than 20 years of experience in branding, marketing, political and advocacy campaigns. As Founder and CEO of Wholecrowd, a cutting edge and innovative digital marketing company, Jim developed successful marketing campaigns for a wide range of clients – from Fortune 100 companies to some of the nation's largest not-for-profits and trade associations. Jim is the former Executive Director of the Republican Party of Iowa, former Deputy National Political Director at the RNC, has served in the U.S. Department of Treasury and U.S. Department of Commerce under the Bush Administration and worked on the presidential campaign for George W. Bush. He is a member of the Board of Directors at Volunteers of America, Chesapeake and Carolinas, as well as the Disaster Services Corporation, and is a graduate of James Madison University where he was a member of the Division 1 men’s baseball team. “For a quarter-century, Mercury has advised some of the world’s most successful corporations, organizations and campaigns, and I’m thrilled to have joined this exemplary team of strategists to expand our digital services and help our clients continue to succeed.” #mercuryrising

We love our interns! Happy #NationalInternsDay to all of our interns nationwide who bring fresh eyes and new perspectives to our work and play an important role in helping us serve our clients — from coast to coast! At Mercury, interns learn how to develop public affairs strategies, expand their professional network and pursue a successful career in our ever-evolving industry. Thank you for your time, dedication and commitment to Mercury! #mercuryrising Alexa Miller Elizabeth DePhillips Daryn Dusansky Ava Pallotta Charlie St. John Elias Cohen Jack Whelan Jake Schmidt Jared Levy

We’re expanding! We’re opening a new Sacramento office with veteran political and communications strategist Derek Jansen joining the firm as a Managing Director. With extensive experience serving political, government and non-profit clients facing challenges throughout California, Derek joins our powerhouse team on the West Coast led by Co-Chairs Herb Wesson, former Speaker of the Assembly and President of the Los Angeles City Council, and Partner Veronica Perez. For nearly a decade, Derek worked for a leading California issue advocacy and political communications firm, served in a senior political role for Tom Steyer’s NextGen Climate and helped lead the Ed Lee for Mayor of San Francisco campaign. As an advisor and media consultant on political campaigns at the local, regional, and statewide levels, he will continue to serve as lead strategist, media consultant, and spokesperson for Ahsha Safaí for Mayor of San Francisco. Derek also taught elementary school for two years in New York City as a Teach For America corps member! “Mercury is an exceptional firm with an exceptional roster of talent,” Derek said, “and I’m honored to work with Veronica and Speaker Wesson to expand our presence in California and showcase our expertise in policy discussions on a local, national and global scale.” #mercuryrising

For more than 25 years, Mercury has attracted the sharpest minds in politics, media and business, and one of our latest additions is no exception! With more than 15 years of experience, Managing Director Gregory O. Smiley has developed strategic campaigns for national elected leaders, diverse venture funds, nonprofit CEOs and impactful investment firms. He brings a wealth of expertise in public affairs and strategic advisory with a successful career that spans policy, politics, government, higher education and the private sector. Gregory served as a senior advisor in the U.S. Senate, an advisor in the NYS Executive Chamber and on multiple presidential campaigns, as well as campaign manager for a mayoral campaign. He also made history when he was profiled as “the first Black campaign manager” for a sitting U.S. Senator. Before joining Mercury, he founded Trench Town Group, a public affairs consultancy, and co-founded Bridge to Victory, a political donor advisory fund. “Mercury is well known for its experience at the highest levels of government, politics, business, and media,” Gregory said, “and I am honored to join this world-class team of experts who are working to advance the causes of our clients locally, nationally and globally.” #mercuryrising

We’re so proud to announce the recent hire of Candace Sandy as a Senior Vice President in our New York City office! With more than 20 years of experience, Candace specializes in strategic and crisis communications, has held various roles on local, state and national election campaigns and is the co-author of the national best-selling book, “Souls of My Sisters: Black Women Break Their Silence, Tell Their Stories, and Heal Their Spirits.” Most recently, she served as an advisor to Dr. Gerrard P. Bushell, former CEO of the New Terminal One (NTO) at John F. Kennedy International Airport and a Mayoral appointee for Mayor Bill DeBlasio and Mayor Eric Adams. Candace also served as press secretary and communications director for U.S. Congressman Gregory Meeks and press secretary for Hillary Clinton (HFA 2016) in Northern Nevada. “Mercury is one of the leading public affairs firms in the nation,” Candace said, “and I’m thrilled to join this exceptional team of media experts and work with a wide range of high-profile clients who are improving the way we live, work and collaborate.” #mercuryrising

Happy #FourthofJuly to all of our clients, colleagues + business partners! #happybirthdayamerica