MARY NELSON
Founder, MaryNelson PR
St Petersburg
Summary
- Dynamic public relations professional with over 15 years of experience in driving impactful communication strategies for B2B tech clients, from innovative startups to publicly traded companies. Expertise includes earned media relations, IPOs, executive thought leadership campaigns, digital content creation, and crisis planning & response.
- Leveraged prompt engineering techniques (trained via Vanderbilt's ChatGPT course) to streamline campaign ideation, automate media summaries, and optimize brand messaging using AI tools.
- Client examples include: Verizon Business, Amazon, CRH, Fiserv, Clover, Genpact, Jabil, ShakeShack, AMC Theatres and more.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Strategic Communications Consultant
MaryNelson PR
06.2019 - Current
- Since launching my PR consulting practice five years ago, I continue to support entrepreneurs, founders, and C-suite executives in the B2B tech space, with a focus on fintech, AI/ML, point-of-sale, restaurant technology, building materials, supply chain, and manufacturing.
- On average, we independently secure 2-3 quality earned media placements per month for clients, outpacing other peer agencies working with the same client.
- My fintech experience includes providing strategic communication counsel for Fiserv and Clover.
- Independently partnered with a restaurant startup, Hyphen, to launch its modular robotics restaurant concept, securing dozens of quality media placements in TechCrunch, the LA Times, Forbes, and more.
- Beyond media relations, provide strategic counsel to navigate clients with crisis communications planning and response, IPOs, analyst relations, and speaking engagements.
- Participate in new business pitches with partnered agencies.
- Boosted client satisfaction rates with effective crisis management strategies, addressing potential risks and mitigating negative impact on reputation.
- Streamlined internal communications processes by implementing efficient tools and channels, fostering collaboration among team members.
- Improved media relations for clients through proactive outreach, strengthening relationships with key journalists and influencers in relevant industries.
Vice President
ICR
09.2013 - 05.2019
- Company Overview: Strategic Communications and Advisory Firm.
- Led day-to-day PR activity for small to large cap clients across the restaurant and technology sectors.
- Planned and executed client IPOs, including Shake Shack, AMC Theaters, and Amplify Snack Brands.
- Frequently secured top-tier media placements across business and financial press, e.g. CNBC, Bloomberg TV, FBN, Forbes, and WSJ.
- Provided PR counsel and writing support around specialty client situations, e.g. M&As and crises.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals backed by measurement.
- Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement, fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth across the organization.
- Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, vendors, regulators, and community leaders to promote collaboration and long-term success.
Senior Account Supervisor
MSLGROUP
06.2010 - 09.2013
- Company Overview: Global Public Relations Firm.
- Increased media coverage by 30% quarter over quarter, through strategic communications for United Technologies and AVG Technologies.
- Increased media coverage by 25% quarter over quarter by cultivating a network of 50 media contacts and industry influencers.
- Maintained expert knowledge of industry trends through ongoing research and professional development activities, positioning the company as a thought leader in its field.
- Mentored junior staff members on best practices for account management, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
Senior Account Executive
Weber Shandwick
01.2007 - 06.2010
- Company Overview: Global Public Relations Firm
- Excellent media relations, and written and verbal communication skills, working for Capgemini and Unisys.
- On average, I generated 2 to 3 quality media placements per month for these clients.
- I communicated with internal teams to learn PR fundamentals, and to learn and grow from my mistakes.
Education
M.A. - Communication
The Johns Hopkins University
05-2007
B.A. - Communication
Vanderbilt University
05-2004
Skills
- Strategic PR Planning and Counsel
- Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT" – Vanderbilt University (Coursera)
- Executive Thought Leadership Content Creation
- IPO corporate communications
- Media Relations
- Crisis management
- Message Development
- Media training
PR EXPERIENCE
15+ years of corporate communications experience supporting startups to large, publicly traded companies across B2B tech and consumer sectors
STRENGTHS
- Results-Driven Proven track record of achieving quality and consistent results for clients through digital media, podcasts and speaking engagements.
- Resourceful Identify and recommend new and practical solutions to achieve quality media coverage.
- Enthusiastic Storyteller Thoughtful and curious storyteller who reaches company stakeholders to amplify brand awareness and credibility.
- Proactive & Empathetic Mindset Anticipate client needs and problem solve to generate tangible results.
INDUSTRIES
- Fintech
- Restaurant Technology
- Semiconductors & Manufacturing
- Supply Chain
- Telecoms
- Internet Security
- Professional Services
Certification
Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT, Vanderbilt Unversity, 2025
Timeline
Strategic Communications Consultant
MaryNelson PR
06.2019 - Current
Vice President
ICR
09.2013 - 05.2019
Senior Account Supervisor
MSLGROUP
06.2010 - 09.2013
Senior Account Executive
Weber Shandwick
01.2007 - 06.2010
M.A. - Communication
The Johns Hopkins University
B.A. - Communication
Vanderbilt University
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