Ellen leads SDRI with a wealth of experience in nonprofit management and fundraising. She has been an active community leader and served as the Executive Director of the Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County. She holds a master’s degree in education and is a licensed attorney in both California and Florida.
 
Ellen became involved with SDRI in 2006, motivated by a passion to address the growing impact of diabetes at local and global levels. More than 17 years ago, Ellen’s oldest son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, an experience that has made her intimately aware of the day-to-day challenges of the disease and a steadfast champion for those whom it affects. She has volunteered her time on the Sansum Diabetes Research Institute’s Board of Trustees for nine years, two years of which she served as Board President.