Fernando Ferrer joins Fleishman-Hillard Government Relations.

Fleishman-Hillard International Communications announced that Fernando Ferrer, former Bronx Borough President and Democratic Nominee for Mayor in New York City, has joined Fleishman-Hillard Government Relations as a Co-Chairman in New York. The move comes as Fleishman-Hillard merged the government relations business units of Mercury Public Affairs and Fleishman-Hillard Government Relations in Washington, D.C., Albany, and New York City under the Fleishman-Hillard Government Relations brand.

In making today’s announcement, Paul Johnson, President, Fleishman-Hillard Global Public Affairs said, “We are thrilled to welcome Freddy Ferrer into the Fleishman-Hillard family as we continue to build a bi-partisan, best-in-class government relations operation. Freddy is a class act who knows New York inside and out. His insights into the issues important to all New Yorkers, as well as his knowledge of the key decision-makers and their priorities, will be invaluable to our clients in New York and Washington.”

In his new role at FH GR, Ferrer will provide senior counsel to clients and help direct staff, but will not lobby any elected officials. Ferrer will also serve as a member of the Fleishman-Hillard International Advisory Board and as Co-Chairman of FH Hispania®, a bilingual/bicultural Hispanic communications practice established by Fleishman-Hillard in 2002. FH Hispania® is a one-of-a-kind network of more than 30 bilingual Hispanic communications professionals located in 12 cities across the United States.

“One of the top Hispanic leaders in America, Freddy brings 30 years of public policy experience to the Fleishman-Hillard network,” added Dave Senay, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fleishman-Hillard. “As Co-Chairman of FH Hispania, Freddy will use his deep understanding of the growing Hispanic population to help clients reach into this powerful market, as well as help more Hispanic companies enter the corporate mainstream.”

Fleishman-Hillard’s International Advisory Board provides clients with advice and counsel from nationally respected figures such as Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; Leon Panetta, former White House Chief of Staff to President Bill Clinton; former U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor; former federal Health and Human Services Secretary Louis Sullivan; David A. Kessler M.D., former Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; and General Barry R. McCaffrey, former White House Drug Czar and a noted national security and terrorism expert.

Ferrer served as a member of the New York City Council, where he authored key laws making New York a leader in public safety, civil rights and anti-discrimination, including the first Civilian Complaint Review Board Law. During his 14-year tenure as Bronx Borough President, Ferrer designed and oversaw the largest urban rebuilding effort in the country and is nationally recognized as an architect for revitalizing American cities.