By Zoe Flamen
On April 21, In a conversation on “PR in the Big Leagues,” Nancy Elder reflected on a 25-year career spanning major brands like Mattel, JetBlue, and Mastercard across industries including sports, entertainment, and travel. Starting with an internship at Long Acre Financial, she emphasized the importance of constantly learning and actively seeking new opportunities, approaching her career with the mindset that she was always in the driver’s seat. For Elder, growth came from raising her hand, staying curious, and leaning into unfamiliar challenges, especially in moments when she felt she had the most to learn.
One of her most pivotal experiences came while working in the Office of the CEO at Mastercard, where she found herself surrounded by MBA-trained colleagues. Despite feeling intimidated at first, the role became a crash course in understanding how communications directly supports business strategy. That mindset led her to take a major leap: relocating to Singapore for an international marketing and communications role. Though risky and far from home, the experience proved both personally and professionally rewarding, reinforcing her belief in embracing discomfort to grow.
Her career continued to evolve through relationships and well-timed opportunities, eventually bringing her to become the Chief Communications Officer for the New York Mets. There, she faced the intense, fast-paced world of sports PR, where fan sentiment, media pressure, and team performance intersect daily. During challenging seasons, Elder noted that while communicators can’t change what happens on the field, they can shape the narrative. By identifying and amplifying loyal “super fans,” her team created a positivity flywheel to counter negativity and maintain engagement. She also highlighted the emotional impact of fan criticism on players, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful communication.
Throughout her journey, Elder has approached storytelling like an archaeologist, uncovering compelling narratives, whether at the Mets or projects like getting coverage for remastered films at Warner Bros. In a changing and competitive industry, she stressed the value of staying engaged, building relationships, and getting involved in communities like PRSSA. Ultimately, her advice is to stay curious, stay positive, and don’t be afraid to take risks that push you outside your comfort zone.
Sydney Brass and Nancy Elder engage in a conversation about PR in various industries.
