The Entertainment and Sports Section is made up of more than 200 communication and public relations professionals who work in the high-profile worlds of sports and entertainment.
About Us
About Us
Members of the Entertainment and Sports Section face unique challenges, which is why the Entertainment and Sports Section offers great opportunities to connect with peers who understand your issues and are willing to share solutions. Through in-person and virtual networking events, newsletters and other resources, the Section helps practitioners develop public relations and management skills directly relevant to their entertainment and sports environments.
Section Member Resources on MyPRSA
Sample Resources for Nonmembers
5 Things You Need to Become a Media Magnet
Quarterly Section Newsletter
How Do I Join?
If you are already a PRSA member and looking to join this Section, please call the Member Services department at (212) 460-1400 or email: membership@prsa.org.
Not a PRSA member?
Learn about the benefits and how to join PRSA here.
Join your colleagues at these organizations by taking advantage of our Section membership benefits now!
Fox Sports
Green Bay Packers
National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing
National Collegiate Athletic Association
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Wells Fargo
From the Chair
From the Chair
A Message from our 2026 PRSA Entertainment & Sports Chair
Dear PRSA Entertainment and Sports Section members,
I am thrilled to serve as the Chair of the PRSA Entertainment and Sports Section this year. As we dive into 2025, we have an incredible opportunity to strengthen our presence in these dynamic industries, grow our network, and elevate the voices of PR professionals who are shaping the future of entertainment and sports communication.
This year, I aim to build on the Section’s legacy while introducing fresh perspectives that reflect the ever-evolving landscape of our field. From brand storytelling to influencer relations, crisis management, and audience engagement strategies, our programming will focus on equipping you with cutting-edge insights to thrive in a competitive industry.
We will continue to bring you signature events like “How They Got Here” and “State of the Industry,” but expect even more interactive and forward-thinking sessions. Additionally, I’m excited to launch new initiatives that highlight the intersection of entertainment, sports, and digital innovation, offering you actionable takeaways that can impact your work.
This Section is your community. We are here to help you grow, connect, and succeed. I encourage you to share your ideas, challenges, and aspirations with us. Your input will help shape our programming and make this a space where you feel empowered and inspired.
If you’ve found value in the Entertainment and Sports Section, I invite you to share that experience with your colleagues and peers. Together, we can continue to build a thriving community of communicators who set the standard for excellence in our industry.
Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, innovation, and meaningful connections. Stay engaged with us on PRSA.org and through our social media channels. I look forward to collaborating with each of you and celebrating your successes throughout the year.
Here’s to an exciting year ahead!
Best,
Don Franken
President, World Class Sports
PRSA Entertainment & Sports Section Chair
Executive Committee
Entertainment and Sports Section Executive Committee
Your Executive Committee works to establish the Entertainment and Sports Section as the place for leaders and communicators to gather and share expertise and grow together. We do this with year-round programming and content development.
Chair
Don Franken
President, World Class Sports
Marina del Rey, CA
donfranken@gmail.com
Chair Elect
Nicole Davis
Founder, The Music of Us
Tucker, GA
niclizd@protonmail.com
Immediate Past Chair
Contrecia T. Tharpe
Madison, TN
Secretary
Virginia White
Student, University of Mississippi
Meridian, MS
whitevirginia27@gmail.com
Membership Chair
Kelly Ross
Communications, Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh, PA
kelly.ross@pirates.com
Programming Co-Chair
Mellissa Sanders
Founder & Chief PR Maven, Tadpole Communications, LLC
Atlanta, GA
Melissa@TadpoleComm.net
Programming Co-Chair
Andrea Higgins
Founder & PR Consultant, Andrea Higgins PR
Montclair, NJ
andrea@andreahigginspr.com
Programming Co-Chair
Jennifer Herring
Mason, OH
Communications Chair
Joe Burris
Director of Storytelling/Public Relations, United Way of King County
Seattle, WA
jburris@uwkc.org
Newsletter & Social Media Chair
Charles R. Bloom
Executive Associate Athletics Director/Chief of Staff, University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC
cbloom@mailbox.sc.edu
Social Media Chair
Kelsey Nelson
Founder, President & CEO, KryptiaNN
Silver Spring, MO
Kelsey@kryptiann.com
Member at Large
Brandi Michele Sims, MBA
Founder & CEO, Brandinc PR
Austin, TX
Brandi@brandincpr.com
Member at Large
Gail E. Dent
Associate Director Public and Media Relations, National Collegiate Athletic Association
Indianapolis, IN
gdent@ncaa.org
Member-at-Large
Alex Ebanks
Vice President of Communications, Fiserv
Brookhaven, GA
alexebanks@gmail.com
