David Ellis
Climate Policy | Nonprofit Executive | Global Strategist
Accomplished communications and policy strategist with 20+ years of leadership at the intersection of public policy, media, and nonprofit engagement. Adept at leading cross-cutting teams, driving earned media, overseeing marketing campaigns, and positioning mission-driven institutions as national thought leaders.
About David
David Ellis is Executive Vice President of Communications, Policy, & Outreach at the EFI Foundation (EFIF), which he founded with former U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest J. Moniz to accelerate the transition to a more equitable, secure low-carbon energy economy.
David focuses on ways to clearly communicate the challenges of climate change and has secured Tier 1 media coverage for EFIF through thought leadership articles, breaking news commentary, and guest slots on popular programs such as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Real Time with Bill Maher. David also advises Moniz on partnerships, media opportunities, and business strategy and leads efforts to brief policymakers on actionable technological pathways to a low-carbon future.
The EFIF have briefed more than 30 U.S. Senators, and 50 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the organization’s leaders have testified before a dozen congressional panels.
Experience
EFI Foundation (EFIF)
Executive Vice President, Partnerships, Policy Strategy, & Outreach
Washington, D.C. | 2017 - Present
Founded the Energy Futures Initiative (EFI) in 2017 with former Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz.
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Lead strategic communications and partnership development for a policy think tank launched with former U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz.
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Leads all external affairs functions, including media relations, marketing strategy, and digital content.
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Directed high impact partnerships and policy initiatives focused on climate, energy, and environmental justice.
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Designed and launched cross-sector initiatives with major foundations (e.g., Packard, JPMorgan Chase) to advance energy and environmental justice goals.
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Elevated public presence through thought leadership placement in the New York Times, WSJ, Politico, and other Tier 1 outlets.
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Placed EFIF in national media, including appearances on BBC, CNBC, Stephen Colbert, and Bill Maher.
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Oversaw creation of branded digital platforms and publications, reinforcing institutional voice and mission.
CQ Roll Call (The Economist Group)
Senior Vice President & Chief Content Officer
Washington, D.C. | 2013 - 2017
Led editorial and product across five business units, managing $55M budget and 170 staff members.
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Lead presence for The Economist Group in Washington, reporting to the company's London-based Board.
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Drove CQ's digital transformation and revenue stability via product innovation and new offerings.
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Created "Powerful Women" in Congress content series in partnership with Procter & Gamble.
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Media commentator, panel moderator and event host.
Bloomberg Government
Editor-at-Large
Washington, D.C. | 2011 - 2013
Founding team member. Developed government contracting for institutional investors.
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Founding member of the new federal analysis and news service.
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Oversaw major investigative series on transparency, Cabinet travel, and enterprise on politics and business.
Bloomberg News
Editor, International Features
London, U.K. | 2004 - 2011
Managed editorial coverage for Bloomberg Markets magazine.
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Supervised & edited features from bureaus in Europe, the Middle East, & Africa.
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Interviewed global policymakers, including U.K. Prime Ministers Tony Blair and David Cameron.
Moneywise Magazine
Editor-in-Chief
London, U.K. | 2000 - 2003
Revitalized the U.K.'s best-selling personal finance magazine.
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Frequent guest on British media on personal finance matters (BBC TV & Radio, ITV, Channel 4).
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Interviewed global policymakers, including U.K. Prime Ministers Tony Blair and David Cameron.
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Moneywise won "Publication of the Year" from U.K. financial press.
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Subscriptions grew 20% over two years.
Earlier Roles
Dow Jones International | Editor, Special Sections | London, U.K.
Smart Money Magazine | Senior Editor | New York City, N.Y.
People Magazine | Editor, Correspondent
Time Magazine | Senior Writer, Reporter
The Economist | Editorial Intern
Education
Boston University | Boston, MA | B.S., Journalism
Trinity College | Dublin, Ireland | International Law Course
Personal Details
English | Conversational French
Dual U.S. & U.K. Citizenship
Over 60 Countries Visited
Thought Leadership
Media Commentator
Frequent guest on British TV and radio (BBC, ITV) offering analysis on personal finance, international relations, and politics.
Convener & Moderator
Organizes and hosts multiple public events on climate policy, the U.S. elections, energy employment data, and digital transformation.
Briefings
Prepares for Congressional public hearing and has conducted numerous private briefings on energy policy to C-Suite executives, NGOs, and more than 50 U.S. Senators and 60 members of the House of Representatives.
The Lonely Planet Guide to New York City
Author of the first two editions, selling over 220,000 copies worldwide.
The U.S. Energy Employment Report
Editorial lead for a comprehensive survey of job trends in all 50 states and District of Columbia from 2017 to 2021.
Leadership Philosophy
Equity-centered management & recruitment
Stakeholder engagement as the catalyst for change
Team development & mentoring
Core Competencies
Climate & Energy Policy
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
Thought Leadership & Public Speaking
Strategic Communication & Brand Management
Earned Media
Crisis Communication
Affiliations
National Press Club
American Association of Blacks in Energy
National Association of Black Journalists
News Literacy Project
