Ellen M. Cross
President    

Ellen Cross offers clients insights on how to create common ground where diverse stakeholders can realize their fullest potential and achieve higher end goals within their organizations. She has more than 30 years of experience developing business opportunities and creating forums for vision, collaboration, and growth.

Ellen began her career in Washington D.C., where she worked on behalf of the United States Department of State International Visitors Program and the United Nations developing professional and educational programs for international dignitaries. She developed the dignitaries program and introduced them to the Office of the President, Congress, State Department, and Think Tanks throughout the United States. She coordinated large-scale workshops on the global environment, terrorism, narco-trafficking, and the arts.

For more than 30 years, Ellen has represented the Architecture, Environmental Planning and Engineering consulting industry to broaden their client markets with a big picture approach while implementing strategic programs that translate into business growth. Ellen has served as in-house Regional Operations Director, Strategy Officer, and Development Director for several established industry leading firms prior to incorporating Strategy Driver, where she serves both private industry and public agencies.

EDUCATION
University of Oregon BA Political Science
(Magna Cum Laude; Phi Beta Kappa)
Rutgers University Eagleton Institute of Politics

Fluent in Spanish

HONORS & AWARDS
Ironhouse Sanitary District, Strategic Plan
• 2022 California Association of Sanitation Agencies Award of Organizational Excellence
• 2021 California Water Environmental Association Project of the Year Large

2019 Floodplain Management Association Award (Coastal Zone Management and Stewardship) for Formation of new Flood & Sea Level Rise Resiliency District for San Mateo County and 20 Cities

2012 Innovations Awards, 5 Year Strategic Plan, National Center for Employee Ownership

Directed Numerous Award Winning Programs for SMPS, ASLA,
ACEC, AEP, APA
National Judge SMPS Awards

SMPS Award Recipient
• 2011 First Place for Internal Communications for 5 Year Strategic Plan
• 2002 Second Place External Marketing Collateral

The Washington Center Internship - Capitol Hill
American Field Service Exchange

2009 Emmy Award winning documentary participation - “Saving the Bay”

CERTIFICATIONS
Strategy Driver, Inc. is certified by Caltrans and US Department of Transportation’s Unified Certification Program as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (File #41988) and by the California Division of General Services as a Small Business Enterprise (Supplier #1791474).

Strategy Driver, Inc. |  All Rights Reserved