2012 American Journey Awards Host David L. Mercer

David L. Mercer founded Mercer & Associates, Inc. (M&A), a government and public affairs consulting firm in 1997. M&A--with emphasis on developing public/private partnerships--represents government entities and corporations on public affairs strategies, consults national and statewide candidates on strategy and operations, advises non-profits on advocacy and development and has raised over a hundred million dollars in public/private partnership funds.

Prior to Mercer & Associates, Mr. Mercer served as the Deputy National Finance Director for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and the DNC’s ’96 Convention Finance Director. He has held senior roles ranging from press to delegate operations in five presidential campaigns and Democratic National Conventions.

Mr. Mercer's background in the public sector is complemented by corporate, banking, media, and marketing experience in the private sector at Proctor & Gamble, Bank of Boston, the Christian Science Monitor Channel and Citizens Energy.

Mr. Mercer sits on the board of the National Security Network, is a Young Leader of the French American Foundation, and serves as a director on the Washington National Opera board and the Congressional Black Caucus Corporate Advisory Council.

Mr. Mercer formerly served as a media adviser for the Hillary for President 2008 campaign, a member of the Kerry/Edwards 2004 Presidential Campaign Leadership Council, Trustee for the 2000 Gore/Lieberman Presidential Campaign and as a director on the board of the Democratic Governors’ Association, the DNC's National Finance Board and Senator Bill Bradley’s Participation 2000 PAC.

As a strategist, businessman and advocate, Mr. Mercer is a television and print commentator in the United States and abroad on issues that include the Role of Government, the Economy, Crisis Management, Obama Administration, Elections, Financial Reform, Foreign Policy, Decision-Making, Cultural Issues and Philanthropic and Political Giving.

Specialties
International, federal, state and local government affairs, communications, branding and public affairs expertise and advancing the business development and political or external affairs and interests of clients.