Merrie Marcia Spaeth (born August 23, 1948) is an American public relations and communications consultant.

Since the 2004 election, the term "Swift Boating" (or "swiftboating") has become a common expression for a campaign attacking opponents by questioning their credibility and patriotism in a dishonest manner.

[2][circular reference] Spaeth has referred to her involvement in this campaign as her “biggest regret.”[3] Spaeth was hired as a communications consultant to Ken Starr, an attorney who served as Solicitor General of the United States under George H. W. Bush and Special prosecutor for the Whitewater controversy during the Clinton Administration.

[4][5] Spaeth contributed to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity from 2006 to 2010 writing columns on executive communication.

Additionally, Spaeth has written for HR Executive, PRWeek, Bank Marketing, Public Diplomacy, Modern Healthcare, PRSA Strategist, and The Philadelphia Inquirer.