Ellen Remmer is a recognized leader in the field of strategic philanthropy. She is a Senior Partner at The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI), the nonprofit philanthropic advisory firm that pioneered the field of strategic philanthropy advising and works around the globe to help donors achieve lasting social impact. Ellen has been with TPI since 1993 and served as President and CEO of TPI from 2007-2012.
Ellen has worked directly with dozens of family, corporate, and community foundations, helping them develop powerful strategies for social impact and strong governance structures and practices. She has developed many of TPI’s philanthropy promotion initiatives, including those aimed at building the capacity of community foundations and professional advisors to better serve donors. Recently, she led TPI’s work to help donors amplify their impact through impact investing and launched a range of initiatives. Among the many publications Ellen has authored are: Navigating the Territory: A Guide to Impact Investing for Donors, Philanthropy for the Wise Donor-Investor: A Primer for Families on Strategic Giving; Raising Children with Philanthropic Values; Making a Difference: Evaluating Your Philanthropy; and Passion: Discovering the Meaning in Your Philanthropy. Ellen has been featured in publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal and Forbes to Chronicle of Philanthropy and Town & Country.
Ellen currently serves as the President of her family's foundation, which supports girls’ empowerment programs and sustainable fisheries. She chairs the Board of Prosperity Catalyst, a nonprofit organization that launches women-led businesses in conflict-ridden countries, and is a member of the Oxfam Leadership Council. Ellen completed a Bachelors of Arts from Wesleyan University and an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.
