Nancy J. Sterling, APR, Fellow PRSA

Nancy Sterling, Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications at ML Strategies in Boston, leads the firm’s work on crisis management, public affairs, and strategic communications. 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 major transactions, real estate development, 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 and led external 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), and interned at WBZ-TV (CBS Boston).

Nancy is Co-President of the Public Relations Society of America College of Fellows and holds APR Accreditation. She also serves as Co-President of the Community Center of Needham, Inc. and is a member of the American Ireland Fund’s Boston Dinner Committee 

• Boston University (MA)
• Boston College (BS)

• 2018 PRSA Boston Diane Davis Beacon Award Honoree, the chapter's highest award

• Numerous Client Campaign Awards, PR Club of New England

• Co-President, Public Relations Society of America, College of Fellows (APR Accreditation)
• Co-President, Community Center of Needham, Inc.
• Member, American Ireland Fund, Boston Dinner Committee
• Former Ethics officer, Boston Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America
• Past Board member, BUILD, Boston
• Past Member, Alumni Board of 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 Service