Public Inc. Acquires Rocket Social Impact to Expand U.S. Presence and Capabilities

Public Inc., the Toronto and New York-based certified B Corp, closed its acquisition of Rocket Social Impact on March 2, 2026, adding a U.S.-based advisory firm with deep roots in nonprofit and corporate social impact strategy to its portfolio. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The deal brings together two complementary organizations: Public Inc., which has operated as an independent creative impact agency since 2008, and Rocket, known for translating social impact strategies into measurable delivery for both corporate and nonprofit clients. In practical terms, Public gains what CEO Phil Haid described as "disciplined, implementation-driven strategy," which he said, combined with "our nearly two decades of strategy, creative and communications expertise, we can continue to drive impact forward for North American clients."

Rocket founder Rich Maiore will transition out of the business following the close. In a statement, Maiore said: "I'm proud of what we've built at Rocket and this work and service will live on at Public Inc. As a leader in purpose, Public shares our values and our belief in rigorous, people-centered impact work. We love the alignment and synergy with Public, and this next chapter ensures that our clients and team continue to grow with expanded resources and long-term stability."

Melanie Newell, who served as President of Rocket Social Impact, will become President of Public U.S., heading the combined U.S. team and reporting directly to Haid. The appointment signals Public's intent to build genuine operational depth in the American market rather than simply absorb Rocket's client list.

On the integration timeline, Rocket will continue operating under its existing brand in the near term, with a phased transition planned over the coming months. The company was explicit that there will be no disruption to client teams, contracts, or workflows during that period.

Public Inc. frames the acquisition as a cross-border expansion that reinforces its existing U.S. commitment while preserving its Canadian identity. The firm has maintained offices in both Toronto and New York and will continue serving corporate and nonprofit clients advancing social impact and sustainability initiatives across sectors. As a certified B Corp operating under the #ProfitWithPurpose ethos since its founding 18 years ago, Public positions the deal as a structural step toward putting strategy and execution under one roof for North American purpose-driven organizations.

The announcement generated immediate response from the social impact community, with industry figures including David Hessekiel noting that Haid and Newell are "outstanding members of the social impact communications community" and predicting the combination could produce results well beyond the sum of its parts.