Ellie Forman is a founding member of the Room to Grow Chicago Advisory Council. New to a role managing external corporate communications for Chicago-based Ferrara Candy Company, Ellie comes from more than a decade as the head of corporate responsibility for global financial services firm Mesirow. Ellie’s career has been focused on coupling social impact programs with corporate communications strategies, aligning business goals, driving engagement, and maintaining companies’ positive public image. 

Ellie participated by invitation in Mesirow’s DEI Council and was a founding member of the firm’s PrideConnect LGBTQ+ employee resource group, shaping both groups’ philanthropic and programmatic strategies and managing associated internal and external communications. Ellie is continuing to pursue her passion for corporate DEI engagement in her new role as well.

Ellie’s expertise and vast network come from nearly 20 years of experience in communications, partnerships, social impact, and philanthropy. Prior to joining Mesirow in 2012, Ellie was a senior account executive at Chicago public affairs firm Jasculca Terman, where she spent more than seven years managing communications, media relations, and event planning on behalf of nonprofit, government, education, foundation, and corporate clients. She has been recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (2022 Grantor Award), Sheridan Road Magazine, and Crain’s Chicago Business for her work. Ellie served as president of the Joffrey Ballet Women’s Board from 2022-2024, where she remains an active member. Ellie also serves on the Women’s Board of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. Ellie earned a Bachelor of Arts in speech communication from Miami University (Ohio).

Ellie lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, two elementary-school-age daughters, and an elderly dog.