Achievements: Media relations and event management for The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, including The Kennedy Center Honors and The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Led successful multimillion dollar capital campaigns for impactful organizations in human services, scholarship and leadership development. Received First Place – National Communication Associations Award and Best Stewardship Foundation – National Award of Distinction.
Courtney Ellis
Wayfinder
Courtney Ellis has spent more than two decades in the communications industry serving clients in roles that include publicist, fundraiser, event producer, creative director, brand strategist, marketer, copywriter, program director and workshop facilitator. As an account director, Courtney is known for fostering a collaborative, supportive and inspired environment that allows coworkers and clients to thrive. She matches big-picture thinking with practical execution, working hand-in-hand with her team for extraordinary client breakthroughs.
Courtney was on the path to medical school for dance medicine but shifted directions to the promotion and public storytelling of the performing arts, realizing her true desire was utilizing her marketing skillset to further organizations that make an impact. This passion provided her the opportunity to work alongside renowned international and local organizations, that include The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, American Dance Festival, International Tap Association and Colorado Dance Festival. Her experience as a communications professional enabled her to build a trusted reputation and expand her focus into nonprofit organizations, higher education, real estate and human and social services. Courtney flourishes when cultivating partnerships and providing exceptional attention to detail, while having fun along the way. She has also had the pleasure of serving on the leadership teams of nationally recognized youth organizations, leading the overall vision for marketing, fundraising, events, community and volunteer engagement.
Voted “Most Likely to Change the World” as a senior in high school, Courtney still earns the occasional eye roll for her unshakable optimism and high-five attitude. In any given moment, you might find her enjoying live music, advocating for the necessity of peanut butter on virtually anything or driving down a two-lane road with the windows down. A lifelong volunteer, Courtney serves as the Chief Panhellenic Officer for her fraternal organization and as an ambassador for Presenting Denver. Oh, and rumor has it she forces her family, friends and sometimes strangers into daily dance parties. Courtney holds a Bachelor of Communications degree with an emphasis in Public Relations from the
University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Go Big Red.
