Jo Ann LeSage Nelson, APR, Fellow PRSA is vice president of client services at Pierce Communications, an Albany, N.Y. based public relations, public affairs, and crisis communications firm. At Pierce, she is responsible for strategic public relations and communications counseling for clients in the health care, education, professional services, retail, human services, energy, and not-for-profit sectors. She has extensive experience guiding organizations through crisis situations and helping them mitigate the impact of the crisis both internally and externally.

Jo Ann is an Accredited Public Relations professional and in 2020 was selected for membership in the Public Relations Society of America’s College of Fellows, an honor that signifies and celebrates meaningful work accomplished; long-lasting impact made; and dedication shown to PRSA, the profession, and her community. This designation is held by only about 350 professionals across the country.

Currently a member of the board of directors of The Food Pantries for the Capital District, Jo Ann has held several other board leadership roles, including serving as a past executive committee member of PRSA National, chair of the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce, and board president of Literacy New York Greater Capital Region. She is an active community volunteer and frequently speaks on the topics of media relations, crisis communications, and business writing.