Nashville Metropolitan Area
Kelly Nantel is a globally recognized public relations and communications executive with more than 30 years of experience leading high-stakes media relations, reputation management, and crisis response for major organizations in both the public and private sectors. Currently serving as Director of Global Media Relations and Trust & Reputation at Amazon, Kelly leads a team focused on navigating complex issues, protecting corporate reputation, and shaping narratives across some of the most scrutinized areas of modern business—from sustainability and labor to policy and innovation. She serves as Amazon’s principal spokesperson on crisis-related matters and helped build and scale the company’s global issues management and crisis communications function from the ground up. Before Amazon, Kelly directed communications for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), where she managed public affairs for dozens of major accident investigations, including the deadly crashes of Virgin Galactic’s Spaceship II, Asiana Airlines Flight 214, and the Amtrak train derailment in Philadelphia. And at Amazon, she led crisis communications following the tornado that destroyed the company’s Edwardsville, IL, facility, resulting in the tragic loss of six teammates. Her career also includes leading national advocacy campaigns at the National Safety Council, where she built coalitions and ran media efforts that generated billions of earned impressions, and serving as the press secretary at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, where she coordinated with the White House on high-profile national security issues. Kelly is known not only for her ability to manage sensitive, high-impact events with composure and clarity, but also for her focus on developing the next generation of communications leaders. She’s built rotational leadership programs and measurement systems that have elevated relationship-building with the press and improved how organizations understand and respond to reputational risk. Whether she's coaching executives through a tough press cycle, managing breaking news, or mentoring rising communicators, Kelly brings strategic foresight, authenticity, and a deep commitment to public trust.
Led a large, multi-disciplinary team including journalists, PR and advocacy professionals, digital content developers, social media experts and graphic artists who develop and implement successful advocacy campaigns to improve safety in the nation’s workplaces, homes and communities and roadways. She led the development of digital communications, social media content, video productions, and a series of powerful position papers that addressed issues including our nation's prescription opioid crisis, advancing auto safety technologies, teen and distracted driving safety, fatigue in the workplace and Safe Communities America; strengthened the NSC brand and raised the organization’s profile.
Managed public affairs for a federal agency that investigates major transportation crashes. Focused on agency reputation and appropriate crisis communications response, served as principal spokesperson and liaised daily with major networks, including ABC, NBC, CBS, and CNN and major publications, including the AP, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal. Led a high performing team of professionals who handle more than 10,000 inquiries, 3,500 interviews and 65 press conferences annually and pitched interviews and story ideas to global media outlets. Trained, mentored, and managed staff performance and directed presidentially appointed chairman and board members by developing messaging and speeches for media events, congressional hearings, and NTSB Board meetings. Trained and prepared board members and agency leadership to deliver press briefings and manage media inquires during response to major transportation accidents.
Responsible for the development and implementation of all agency messaging related to several high profile and controversial issues, including immigration enforcement and homeland security investigations. Managed a team of public affairs professionals who processed more than 25,000 media inquiries annually. Served as the agency’s chief spokesperson and liaised daily with members of the local, national and international news media to address inquiries and pitch story ideas. Provided policy direction, strategic communications guidance and media training to senior agency officials.
Served as the principal spokesperson for the Secretary of Public Safety managing communications concerning state-level safety, law enforcement and homeland security matters. Coordinated the public affairs functions for the various agencies under the Executive Office.