“I lead by example, always prioritizing heart, kindness and empathy in all my actions. These values are the cornerstone of my approach, guiding every decision and vision for nearly three decades. To me the happiness and growth of our team members are as important as our bottom line, because I firmly believe that when people thrive, the business thrives.”
Philip A. Nardone, Jr. | President & Chief Executive Officer
“As the president and CEO of PAN for nearly 30 years, I lead by example, always prioritizing heart, kindness and empathy in all my actions.” Anyone fortunate enough to work with or know Phil would confirm this sentiment, verifying that these values have been the foundation upon which he has built his career from the very beginning.
Phil’s leadership philosophy is profoundly people-centric, viewing each employee’s happiness and career growth as paramount. His commitment to building an environment where employees can bring their whole selves and feel valued and inspired has been instrumental in PAN’s success.
Since the founding of PAN in 1995, Phil has reoriented the company into an integrated, digital marketing firm, that’s recognized as one of the world’s leading mid-size tech agencies. Always known to be one step ahead for PAN’s clients, Phil completed three successful acquisitions to ensure the company continues to exceed expectations. He has spearheaded drives to institute flexible work, promote mental health, and establish DEI initiatives.
As an adjunct professor at his alma mater, Syracuse University for more than 20 years, and a guest lecturer at several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), he dedicates himself to shaping the future of talent in the field and ensuring it’s as diverse as the world we live in. Similarly, Phil serves on the PR Council Board of Directors, Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communications Board of Directors and the Newhouse DEI Committee.
Phil’s depth of experience has led him to several industry recognitions including, PR Daily’s “Hall of Fame,” PR News’ “50 Game Changers of PR,” PR News’ “PR Trainer/Educator of the Year” for his work as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, Syracuse University, and PR Club’s John J. Molloy Crystal Bell Lifetime Achievement Award. Most recently, Phil was recognized as PR News “People of the Year – Agency CEO,” named to the PRovoke “Innovator 25” list, and received the Bronze Award for Bulldog PR’s “Leader of the Year.” He also was recognized as an “LGBT Trailblazer” by the Boston Business Journal in 2023.
Recent Recognition
Community Leader
A key hallmark of Phil’s leadership style is to share and learn from others. He’s fortunate to have a connected group of leaders that he meets with regularly to share best practices and navigate challenges. He also formally meets with a CEO Cohort through the PR Council.
Preparing the Next Generation of Comms Professionals
Phil’s greatest talent as a leader lies in how he develops talent.
His passion for improving the industry goes beyond PAN. He is wrapping up his 23rd year of teaching at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communication where he serves as an adjunct professor. Additionally, since 2020 he has also held guest lectureships at four HBCUs. Phil knows the PR industry is predominantly white. And he wants to help reverse that trend. Through these lectures, he aims to show that PR is an inclusive field.
Years as an Adjunct Professor at Syracuse
Years of Guest
Lectures at HBCUs
The S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications is widely regarded as one of the nation’s top schools of communications. The school prepares students and faculty alike to take a leadership role in addressing the issues of today’s rapidly changing media landscape.
Dillard’s Mass Communications Program: Mass communication prepares students to be proficient in communicating information and ideas through the utilization of media, to be qualified to hold positions in the mass communication industry, and to also gain admission to graduate and professional schools…
NC A&T’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communications: If you aspire to be involved in the creation and delivery of media content, the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is the place where your career can begin…
NCCU’s Mass Communication, Public Relations Concentration, B.A.: The Public Relations concentration (Mass Communication B.A.) prepares students for careers as specialists who promote people and organizations…
Morehouse’s Journalism Program: Focus on innovative storytelling using visual journalism, audience development, arts and entertainment, and data…
Phil’s Corner
Integrated storytelling, people-first leadership and DEI are all important topics to Phil. Check out what he’s saying about them.
