WASHINGTON, DC (January 5, 2023) – Mercury, a leading global, bipartisan public strategy firm, today announced the addition of Michael Hardaway, a former top advisor to Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), and Andy Vargas, Vice President Kamala Harris’ longtime aide. They round out an impressive network of leading Democrats at the firm, including Ashley Walker, the 2012 State Director for Obama for America in Florida, and former Reps. Toby Moffett (D-CT) and Joe Garcia (D-FL).
Hardaway worked as Jeffries’ top advisor on messaging, communications and stakeholder engagement, and is joining Mercury’s New York office as a managing director. As Jeffries’ longest serving communications director, Hardaway his day-to-day media and messaging operation in New York and Washington. When Jeffries was elected to Democratic leadership, he appointed Hardaway to serve as head of communications for the House Democratic Caucus, where he advised its 230+ Congressional members on media relations, crisis management and strategic messaging.
Vargas most recently served as the senior associate director of Public Engagement & Intergovernmental Affairs for Harris and is joining Mercury’s Washington office as a senior vice president. Vargas brings to Mercury nearly a decade of policy, political campaign, intergovernmental affairs and public engagement experience. He joined the Vice President for over 30 trips, domestic and abroad, to hold conversations on the Biden-Harris Administration’s priorities and commitments. Vargas held a primary role in the Office of Public Engagement, ensuring policy reflected the Vice President’s goals and core values.
“Michael and Andy are top-flight operators, and their insights will be invaluable to our clients,” said Mercury CEO Kieran Mahoney. “We are thrilled to welcome both to the team.”
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 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.
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