Ellen joined Heidrick & Struggles in 1996, and has held internal leadership positions at the firm including associate director in the Atlanta office. She specializes in senior-level search assignments within the higher education and nonprofit arenas, as well as in the legal functional area.

Prior to joining Heidrick & Struggles, Ellen served as assistant general counsel for the State Bar of Georgia, handling a wide variety of legal and policy issues for the bar. She also practiced law as an associate with Smith, Gambrell & Russell.

Ellen has conducted a wide variety of searches for both schools and nonprofit institutions, including chancellors, presidents, provosts, vice presidents, deans, and executive directors. Her search work also includes senior legal positions in corporations, government agencies and nonprofit organizations.

Ellen is actively involved in professional and community activities, serving as a board member of the Georgia Justice Project, a member of the Wake Forest Alumni Council and past president of the Atlanta Wake Forest Alumni Club. She is also a member of the Atlanta Bar Association, the State Bar of Georgia and the American Bar Association.

Ellen received a bachelor's degree (with honors) in history and politics from Wake Forest University. She subsequently earned her JD from the University of Georgia School of Law, where she served as president of the Student Bar Association.