Cortland Mercer is a Managing Director at High Lantern Group, where he helps clients gain influence, share ideas, and shape the operating environment across a range of sectors. In more than a decade with HLG, Cortland has honed a practice that focuses on the client: the people leading organizations, driving innovation, and creating value. He believes the best engagements are built on trusted collaboration – with teams that are relaxed in their approach, but rigorous in their commitment to excellent work. Cortland opened and leads the Atlanta office, where he directs high-impact communications and marketing engagements, including narrative development, product strategy and positioning, executive coaching, and leadership communications.
Prior to joining HLG, Cortland served in a variety of roles in the public affairs arena, including the Coro Fellowship and work with the executive team of the University of North Carolina system. Cortland received a B.A. in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Asheville, where he recently served as Chair of the Alumni Board of Directors.