
Nancy J. Sterling, APR, Fellow PRSA
Senior Vice President, Strategic Communications
+1.617.348.1811
Nancy Sterling, Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications at ML Strategies in Boston, is a recognized leader in crisis management, public affairs, strategic communications, and litigation. She advises clients across sectors on reputation management, media engagement, and high-stakes issues.
Nancy brings deep experience in both proactive and reactive communications, helping clients navigate crises involving litigation, labor issues, government investigations, restructurings, and reputational threats. Her portfolio spans Fortune 5 companies, educational institutions, and nonprofits, as well as individuals requiring immediate and discreet communications strategy. She also designs long-term communications plans, provides executive media training, and offers counsel on public relations tied to indictments and trials, major transactions, and public-sector challenges.
Nancy has held senior leadership roles in both higher education and government. She served as Acting Vice President at Boston University, overseeing public relations, marketing, and digital media strategy, and was Acting Director of Communications at Phillips Academy, Andover. Before joining ML Strategies, Nancy was the Director of Community Relations at Mount Auburn Hospital. She held two of the highest- profile communications jobs in Massachusetts communications as Chief Spokesperson for both the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and the Boston Police Department, where she was the first woman on the Command Staff. Earlier in her career, Nancy worked as a journalist and producer at major broadcast outlets, including WCVB-TV (ABC Boston) and WOR-TV (New York City), (WHDH/ WNEV TV)
Education
- Boston University (MA)
- Boston College (BS)
Recognition & Awards
One of 11 inductees nationwide into Public Relations Society of America’s College of Fellows, 2017
PRSA Boston Diane Davis Beacon Award, the chapter's highest honor, 2018
Led the team winning the top communications award in NE, The Super Bell.
Numerous client campaign awards, PR Club of New England
Involvement
- Co-President, Public Relations Society of America (Boston), College of Fellows (APR Accreditation)
- Co-President, Needham Community Action Network (CAN).
- Member, American Ireland Fund, Boston Dinner Committee
- Past Board member, BUILD, Boston
- Past Member, Dean’s Alumni Board, Boston University College of Communications
- Past President, Boston Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America
- Past Board member, Publicity Club of New England
- Past Board member, Cambridge Children and Family Services