Mercury Public Affairs, the national bipartisan public strategy firm, announced Monday that Stella Porter has joined its New Jersey office as vice president.
Porter transitions to the private sector from the highest levels of state government, having most recently served as deputy press secretary and a key on-the-record spokesperson for Gov. Phil Murphy.
Porter brings a unique “dual-threat” background to Mercury, combining high-stakes government communications with extensive experience in broadcast journalism.
During her tenure with the Murphy Administration, she managed rapid-response media strategies and acted as the communications lead for critical portfolios, including:
- Energy and Environmental Issues
- Transportation and State Finance
- Veterans and Military Affairs
Before entering public service, Porter was a three-time New York Emmy-nominated television reporter and anchor. Her newsroom career included roles at WNYT NBC NewsChannel 13 in Albany and WSAW CBS/FOX in Wisconsin.
Mercury’s leadership highlighted Porter’s ability to navigate the intersection of policy and media as a primary asset for their clients.
“Stella understands how decisions get made and how stories are told,” Mercury Partner Mo Butler said. “She will be a great addition to our team and bring valuable insights for our clients.”
Michael Soliman, the Mercury partner who leads the New Jersey office, added: “She is a skilled communications professional whose experience in both government and the newsroom will be a strong asset.”
In her new role, Porter will help Mercury’s clients navigate a “dynamic media landscape” and manage complex public affairs issues. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, her appointment strengthens Mercury’s footprint in the Northeast as the firm continues to represent high-profile interests across the political and corporate spectrum.
