The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) is pleased to announce Marie Ellis as the organization’s new public policy director, effective June 4, 2019.
In her new role, Marie will work to develop and implement the organization’s advocacy agenda locally and nationally, educate Minnesota nonprofits on key policy issues impacting their organizations and communities, lobby on behalf of Minnesota’s nonprofit sector, and educate nonprofit professionals on a wide array of advocacy issues and skills.
“I quite literally grew up around nonprofits, often spending time at my father's office, where he ran a central Minnesota helpline that assisted callers in finding the right nonprofits to attend to their needs,” Marie said. “Minnesota nonprofits really showcase the best of our great state, and I am so excited to step into this role to support and advance the work of the sector.”
Marie joins MCN following three years as the director of public affairs and general counsel at the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce. Prior to that, she has served as public policy manager for Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Marie’s experience also includes roles with Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, staff work at the Minnesota State Senate, and legislative advocacy with the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service in Washington D.C. A native of St. Cloud, MN, Marie earned a law degree from University of St. Thomas School of Law and a B.A. from Concordia College in Moorhead.
“One of MCN’s top priorities is tracking and weighing in on laws and government actions that affect the nonprofit sector,” said Jon Pratt, MCN executive director. “We’re excited to have Marie join our organization and put her breadth of legislative advocacy and coalition building experience to work for Minnesota’s nonprofits.”
Marie replaces former public policy director, Rebecca Lucero, who was appointed the Commissioner of Human Rights by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in January.