N ancy Lerner is an American heiress to the vast fortune created by her late father, Al Lerner, a self-made billionaire who founded the credit card giant MBNA. Al Lerner transformed a small Maryland bank into one of the world's largest credit card issuers through pioneering marketing techniques, most notably the use of 'affinity cards' cobranded with universities, professional organizations, and sports teams. He was also the owner of the Cleveland Browns NFL team, which he brought back to the city as an expansion franchise.

Upon Al Lerner's death in 2002, his widow, Norma, and their two children, Nancy and Randy, inherited the family's immense wealth. This included a large stake in MBNA, which was later acquired by Bank of America in a multi-billion dollar deal, and ownership of the Browns, which the family sold to Jimmy Haslam in 2012. Nancy is not involved in business operations and has dedicated her life to philanthropy and her passion for equestrian sports, owning a major horse farm. She maintains a private life, away from the media spotlight.