Nancy Carr, a longtime television industry publicity executive and a member of the Television Academy’s board of governors, died after a long illness on February 18, 2011, at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica. She was 50.

Most recently, Carr was senior vice president, corporate communications, for Hallmark Channels — Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel. She headed the strategic development and implementation of all corporate communications activities, including special events, media and governmental outreach, audience services, public affairs and internal communications.

Previously, she was vice president, corporate communications, for Hallmark Channels.

In a statement, Hallmark Channels president and CEO Bill Abbott said, "Hallmark Channels is saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague, Nancy Carr. We are grateful to Nancy for guiding the company's corporate media strategy for more than five years. On the personal side, those of us who cared deeply for and about Nancy will never forget her dedication to life’s smallest creatures, as she worked tirelessly for animal rights and animal rescue. The company sends deep and sincere condolences to Nancy's family."

Prior to her work for Hallmark Channels, Carr was vice president, communications, from 1999-2004, for the CBS Television Network where she led publicity campaigns on series, movies, miniseries and specials, including CSI, CSI: Miami, Without a Trace, Everybody Loves Raymond and hundreds of movies and miniseries, including Hitler, Joan of Arc, Jesus and the Hallmark Hall of Fame presentations. She also oversaw publicity and public relations activities for numerous specials, including the Grammy Awards, the Primetime Emmy Awards, the Tony Awards and CBS at 75.

Carr also organized the talent portion of the network’s annual Upfront presentation for sales and marketing, planned special events including TCA Press Tours, screenings and the NAACP Image Awards receptions, oversaw awards campaigns and handled public relations for the corporate diversity programs, including the CBS Diversity Institute.

"It's a very sad day," read a statement issued on behalf of Carr's former colleagues in the CBS Communications Group. "Our thoughts are with her husband, Ronnie, and her family. We'll remember Nancy as the architect behind some of CBS' biggest miniseries and live events campaigns, as well as, an exceptionally dedicated colleague and most importantly, a kind and caring person."

From 1992-93, Carr worked at the Fox Broadcasting Company, where she was senior manager, publicity. In this position, she oversaw publicity for specials and handled day-to-day activities on various primetime series, including Beverly Hills, 90210 and Roc Live.

Carr began her career in broadcast television as a senior publicist at CBS. Prior to that, she was a senior account executive at Golin/Harris Public Relations.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Carr was active in many industry organizations, including the Television Publicity Executives Committee, where she served as treasurer, and Women in Cable Telecommunications, where she was on the planning committee for the annual Leadership Conference. She was also a member of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association Public Affairs Committee and a member of other industry organizations, including the Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing, Hollywood Radio & Television Society and the Association of Cable Communicators.

At the time of her passing, Carr was serving on the Television Academy's board of governors as a representative of the Public Relations Peer Group. She also was a member of the Academy's Diversity Committee.

Carr graduated from the University of Southern California with two bachelor’s degrees — one in journalism with an emphasis in public relations, and another in international relations.

Survivors include her husband, a stepdaughter and a brother.

Notes of condolence may be sent to the Television Academy, and will be forwarded to Carr's family.

Carr was passionate about animal rescue. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to two rescue organizations Carr supported: fixnation.org and Feral Cat Caretakers Coalition, P.O.Box 491244, Los Angeles, CA 90049-9244

There will be no public service.