Acooa Ellis, MPP '07

February 2, 2023
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Accoa Ellis, MPP '07

The Partnership for Equitable and Resilient Communities announces Acooa Ellis as its new executive director. Ellis’ background in directing mission-driven initiatives in local government, nonprofits and corporate sectors will advance PERC’s mission to promote racial equality through community investment. 

PERC is a newly-launched innovative approach to public investment, ensuring resources advance equitable, community-driven solutions, determined collaboratively by Black, Indigenous and Latino/a/x people living in historically under-resourced neighborhoods.  As executive director, Ellis will lead local and national philanthropic fundraising efforts, foster relationships with federal partners, expand PERC to new communities and direct communications strategies.

“I am excited to use my skills, knowledge and leadership to advance PERC’s mission,” said Ellis. “My career has been devoted to removing barriers and building bridges to actualize the possibility in communities. Working with the PERC partners will allow me to continue that work.”

Ellis has experience leading large public-private collaborations to address complex community challenges. Most recently,  she served as the senior vice president of Community Impact for Greater Twin Cities United Way’s work in grantmaking, coalition engagement, systems change and public policy. She also is the principal strategist of ABLE Endeavors, a firm that supports mission-driven executives, political principals and business leaders advancing transformation.