For more than 34 years, Ellen has worked in a variety of capacities for Sam Zell’s affiliated companies. As a Managing Director, she serves on the boards of Ardent Health, a provider of hospital and healthcare services, and CraneWorks, a dealer of new and used truck mounted and related mobile crane equipment. Additionally, Ellen sources and evaluates new investments. Ellen helped establish the Zell Global Entrepreneurship Network (ZGEN), an organization that provides continuing education and mentorship for students and alumni of three entrepreneurship education programs sponsored by the Zell Family Foundation. As part of her involvement, she also serves on the board of the Zell Lurie Institute at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.

Ellen has served on the boards of Lanter Delivery Systems, an asset light dedicated delivery service provider; Equity Distribution Acquisition Corp. (EDAC), a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) targeting opportunities to apply technological advancement within the industrial sector; SIRVA, Inc., a provider of moving and relocation services; Rewards Network, a dining rewards company; WRS Holding Company, which specializes in environmental construction and remediation; East Mediterranean Gas Company SAE, an Egyptian natural gas transmission business; National Patent Development Corporation, a holding company focused on pharmaceutical and home improvement products; and Home Products International, a global consumer products company. She also held the roles of Executive Vice President at Equity International and Vice President of Scott Sports Group.

Previously, Ellen was a financial analyst with The First Boston Corporation in New York City. She graduated magna cum laude with a BA from Harvard College and earned her Master of Divinity degree from the University of Chicago in 2016.