Harold Kaufman, who serves as Senior Director, Sports/Entertainment Group at Tony Fay PR, brings over 35 years of experience to the table. His career includes leading communication departments for thousands of NBA and MLB games, as well as notable work at various PR agencies, offering services such as media relations, campaigns, crisis management, media training, and speech writing.
Until November 2022, Kaufman served as the Vice President of Communications for the New York Mets. In this role, he oversaw all aspects of PR strategy and execution, managing communication for ownership, executives, baseball staff, coaches, and all on and off-field activities, contributing significantly to shaping the organization’s image.
Kaufman’s journey began in 1988 after earning his Bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. He started as one of the youngest PR Directors in the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets and later became Vice President of Public and Media Relations for the NBA’s Hornets. He served as the Basketball press manager for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta as well as worked a variety of roles for a combined 20 NBA and MLB All-Star Games. He also played a significant role in PR for the Charlotte Sting when the WNBA launched in 1997. After the team’s relocation due to Hurricane Katrina, Kaufman joined the Sports Media Challenge PR Agency as a Senior Director. In 2007, he returned to the team as Vice President of Communications for the Hornets, participating in their transition to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Kaufman has directed multiple teams and individuals through a multitude of unique crisis, challenges and found solutions. His efforts resulted in being recognized as an Outstanding Eastern Conference Public Relations Director voted on by national writers and broadcasters, and a two-time finalist for the Brian McIntyre award as the Media Relations Department of the Year. Kaufman, married to Lisa for 33 years, takes great pride in his sons’ successful careers, with Stan as an agent at WME/Endeavor and Alex managing basketball operations for the New Orleans Pelicans.