MikeWorldWide Bolsters NJ Government Affairs Practice with Ex-HHS Official

Event summary

  • MikeWorldWide hired Jackie Cornell as Vice President, Government Relations & Public Affairs and Head of the Trenton, NJ office, effective March 31, 2026.
  • Cornell previously served as Regional Director of Federal HHS and Principal Deputy Commissioner for the NJ Department of Health.
  • Steve Sandberg was promoted to Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Public Affairs, to expand the firm’s New Jersey practice.
  • Earlier this year, Mahen Gunaratna, former advisor to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, joined as Executive Vice President of Public Affairs.
  • Brianna Hill, who previously worked at the NJ Economic Development Authority, also operates in the Trenton office.

The big picture

The aggressive expansion of MikeWorldWide’s New Jersey government affairs practice signals a growing demand for specialized lobbying and regulatory expertise, particularly in states with complex and evolving policy environments. This trend is driven by increased regulatory scrutiny across industries and a desire by companies to proactively shape policy outcomes. MWW’s focus on integrated communications – combining government relations, public affairs, and crisis management – reflects a broader industry shift towards holistic reputation management.

What we're watching

Regulatory Headwinds
Cornell’s experience navigating highly regulated sectors like cannabis and healthcare suggests MWW will prioritize clients facing intense scrutiny, potentially impacting deal flow and pricing.
Political Risk
The firm’s expanded Trenton presence, coupled with recent hires, indicates a heightened focus on New Jersey’s political landscape, which could be vulnerable to shifts in policy and leadership.
Execution Risk
The integration of Cornell and Gunaratna’s expertise will be key; their ability to collaborate and deliver on client expectations will determine the success of MWW’s expanded New Jersey practice.