Ellen Tower

Ellen Tower began their career in 1985 as a Community Reinvestment Officer at People's United Bank. In this role, they were responsible for managing community development and community relations activities. In 1995, they joined Citi as Vice President - Director of Community Relations, where they initiated and built the bank's Community Relations Department.

During their 12 years at Citi, Ellen focused on building innovative strategic programs for low- and moderate-income people. Ellen created and managed a cross-functional business team that was replicated throughout the bank, and they received Outstanding Community Reinvestment Act ratings from federal regulators. Ellen also oversaw the Citi Foundation grants and sponsorship programs, managed three Community Relations officers in New York and Massachusetts, created the first Citibank Community Relations Training Program, and led a team that completed a Citibank Asset Building Strategy in 2006.

In 2007, Ellen retired from Citibank and founded LifeBridge CT, an organization that helps low-income families access resources and opportunities to improve their economic stability.

Ellen Tower completed their undergraduate studies at Boston University, earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. Ellen then went on to earn a Master's degree in Special Education and Teaching from the School of Education at New York University.