A global crisis management and public affairs firm and longtime Meadowlands Chamber member is expanding its presence in state government and public affairs in New Jersey.
MikeWorldWide (MWW), an independent integrated public relations agency with deep roots in the Meadowlands business community, announced that Jackie Cornell has joined the firm as vice president of government relations and public affairs. She will be based in the firm’s Trenton office.
Cornell brings more than two decades of experience across federal, state and local government, advocacy and political campaigns, MWW said in a press statement on Tuesday, March 31.
Former Presidential Obama Appointee
A former presidential appointee in the Obama administration at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and principal deputy commissioner for the New Jersey Department of Health, Cornell has worked at senior levels of public policy and regulatory decision-making. Her background includes advising health care providers and policy organizations, leading legislative strategy, and navigating complex regulatory environments in health care, reproductive health, and cannabis.
At MWW, Cornell will lead government relations and public affairs efforts for clients navigating New Jersey’s policy landscape, with a focus on legislative engagement, regulatory strategy and stakeholder outreach.
“Jackie brings rare depth across government, campaigns, and advocacy,” said Michael Kempner, founder and CEO of MikeWorldWide. “She understands how policy is shaped, how budgets are made, and what it takes to align strategy and communications to move outcomes, and her leadership will be instrumental as we continue expanding our Government Relations and Public Affairs presence in New Jersey.”
Critical Communications Crossroads
Cornell said she is joining the firm at a time when policy and communications are increasingly intertwined.
“MWW has built an extraordinary reputation helping organizations navigate complex policy environments and stakeholder dynamics,” she said. “At a time when the intersection of policy, reputation, and communications has never been more consequential, I look forward to expanding the firm’s presence in Trenton and working with this exceptional team to deliver strategic impact for our clients.”
Hire Part of Wider Strategy
The hire is part of a broader buildout of MWW’s public affairs practice. Earlier this year, the firm named Mahen Gunaratna, a former senior adviser and communications director to Gov. Phil Murphy, as executive vice president of public affairs.
The agency also recently promoted Steve Sandberg to senior vice president and managing director of public affairs. Sandberg previously served as chief spokesperson for U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez and earlier worked as a journalist at 1010 WINS in New York City.
Cornell will work alongside Brianna Hill in the firm’s Trenton office. Hill joined MWW in 2025 following her tenure at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.
The expansion reflects growing client demand for integrated strategies that combine government relations, strategic communications, and crisis advisory, particularly as regulatory scrutiny and policy complexity increase across industries.
About MWW
MWW has grown into a global firm with more than 200 professionals across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. The agency works with clients across sectors, including health care, technology, financial services, consumer goods and sports and entertainment.