Mercury Public Affairs, LLC

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