Stacey Bender
Founder & CEO of Bender Group PR
Stacey Bender is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bender Group PR, a boutique public relations agency she established in 1995. With more than three decades of experience in strategic communications and media relations, she has led national campaigns across consumer packaged goods, food and beverage, health and wellness, technology, lifestyle, and B2B industries.
Her career reflects both traditional public relations depth and a forward-looking understanding of how earned media and brand credibility evolve over time.
Early Career in Public Relations
Stacey began her professional journey at Ogilvy & Mather Public Relations, where she advanced from Account Executive to Vice President. During her tenure, she managed high-profile accounts including Crystal Light, Maxwell House, Kool-Aid, and other national food brands. Her work focused on integrated communications campaigns that combined media outreach, brand positioning, and long-term reputation building.
She later held senior leadership roles at Ruder Finn and Neale-May & Partners, where she opened and led the firm’s East Coast office. These roles further refined her expertise in national campaign strategy, executive visibility, and media relationship development.
Stacey earned her degree in Public Relations from the University of South Florida and pursued graduate studies at The New School in New York City.
Founding Bender Group PR
In 1995, shortly after the birth of her fourth child, Stacey founded Bender Group PR. What began as a boutique agency quickly developed into a firm recognized for consistent earned media placement and long-standing client relationships.
From its early work with brands such as The French’s Food Company to its current diverse client roster, the agency has built a reputation for strategic planning, high-level media placement, and close client engagement.
Under Stacey’s leadership, Bender Group PR has focused on:
- Strategic public relations planning
- National and regional earned media outreach
- Executive positioning and thought leadership
- Creative campaign development
- Long-term brand credibility building
Many client partnerships span decades — a reflection of the agency’s collaborative approach and disciplined execution.
Strategic Expertise & Industry Focus
Stacey’s core strengths include:
- Strategic campaign architecture
- High-level national media placement
- Executive communications
- Creative positioning within competitive markets
- Integrated traditional and digital PR alignment
Her approach blends foundational media relationship building with modern amplification strategies, ensuring earned coverage supports broader brand credibility objectives.
Over the course of her career, she has secured placements across national broadcast networks, leading print publications, digital media outlets, and industry trade platforms. Her emphasis has always remained on editorial alignment and long-term positioning rather than short-term visibility.
Industry Recognition & Professional Involvement
Stacey has received numerous industry awards throughout her career, including being named Woman of the Year by the Publicity Club of New Jersey. She is also a frequent guest speaker at universities and professional conferences, where she shares insights on strategic communications, media engagement, and public relations leadership.
In addition to leading her agency, she has mentored many emerging professionals entering the field. Several former interns and team members have gone on to build successful careers within the public relations industry.
Community & Advisory Leadership
Beyond her professional work, Stacey is deeply committed to community involvement and social responsibility.
She serves on the advisory board of Big Vision Community, a nonprofit organization that supports young people in recovery. Following the loss of her 24-year-old son to an accidental overdose, Stacey has been actively engaged in efforts to raise awareness and support individuals and families navigating recovery challenges.
Her advocacy reflects her belief that leadership extends beyond professional success and into meaningful community impact.
She also remains involved with additional nonprofit and community-based organizations, including initiatives supporting children and Jewish nonprofit communities.
Leadership Philosophy
Stacey’s leadership philosophy centers on credibility, strategic clarity, and sustained media relationships.
She believes public relations is most effective when it defines what a brand should be known for and builds that authority consistently over time. Rather than focusing solely on announcements or short-term media attention, her approach emphasizes narrative alignment, relevance, and thoughtful positioning.
Under her guidance, Bender Group PR continues to operate as a boutique agency that prioritizes senior-level involvement, customized strategy, and long-term client partnerships.
Connect With Stacey
Stacey remains actively involved in strategic planning and campaign oversight for Bender Group PR clients.
If you would like to discuss strategic public relations support, leadership visibility, or long-term brand positioning, you may connect directly:
