Ellen McDonald She/Her/Hers

Ellen McDonald is a prominent professional in the fields of nonprofit management and strategic communications, with extensive experience as a consultant and publicist. As Co-Chair of the ArtsKC World Cup 2026 Task Force since February 2024, Ellen plays a key role in promoting the arts in the Kansas City region. Co-founding Mershon & McDonald, LLC in June 1997, Ellen provides high-impact management consulting services to various sectors. Ellen has served as a publicist for several leading arts organizations, including Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Kansas City Ballet, and Lyric Opera of Kansas City. Additionally, Ellen contributes to academia as Associate Faculty at Park University's Hauptmann Graduate School for Public Affairs and as a Guest Faculty Instructor at Grinnell College. Ellen holds a Master's degree in International Nonprofit Management from the School for International Training and a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Grinnell College.