PR Guru
A Dublin native, Ellen began her journey in PR by taking courses with the Public Relations Institute of Ireland and was conferred with “Student of the Year.” In 1985, she formed the PR consultancy Elton Communications, which handled a range of clients – individuals, SMEs, semi-state organisations. Over the years, Ellen has handled the publicity for Kerrygold Dublin Horse Show, National Energy Awareness Week and a campaign to elect the President of Ireland. She graduated with an Honors MA in Communications and Cultural Studies at Dublin City University as a mature student in 1999.
Media Journalist
A member of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) since the mid 1980s, Ellen is the Chairman of the Board of Dublin City FM radio station where she presents a weekly program – Mediascope. The program puts a spotlight on issues of interest to public relations, journalism and event management practitioners. The show is broadcast on Tuesdays at 1.30pm on 103.2 Dublin City FM and is podcast on the Academy’s website www.irishacademy.com
Author
Ellen has written two books, and a third will be published in Autumn 2016. Her first book, Public Relations, A practical approach, is the core text for all courses in PR throughout Ireland. In 2005, Ellen designed postgraduate Higher Diploma courses in PR and Journalism which were validated by HETAC (the Higher Education and Training Awards Council) at Level 8 on the National Framework. Her second book, Capital Women of Influence, profiles 13 women across a range of disciplines who exercise incredible influence over Dublin.
Community Involvement
Ellen’s passion for community work and charities also gave her the opportunity to generate publicity for the voluntary causes that she is involved in including the Irish Cancer Society. She has served as a Government appointed director to the boards of the National Concert Hall and the Central Council of the Irish Red Cross. Ellen was also the President of the International Public Relations Association (Ireland), and is a former board member of the Public Relations Institute of Ireland.
Awards
In 2011 she won the European Parliament Broadcast Journalist of the Year award (Ireland). In 2014 the Event Management Industry in Nigeria recognized her contribution to international PR with a special award. In November 2015, she was elected Chairman of the Board of Dublin City FM radio station. In September 2016, Ellen’s third book, Ten Red Hot Tips to Promote Your Business, is due to be published.