Michelle Ellis

Michelle Ellis is the founder of Ellis Communications Marketing and a communications professional with more than 20 years of experience in local, regional, and national public relations programs, social media campaigns, marketing communications, event publicity, as well as broadcast journalism.

Michelle is a skilled communicator and brand journalist who is constantly seeking client stories to share and finding ways to elevate brands by connecting them with their audiences and influencers. She is passionate about helping brands with a Colorado connection stand out in a crowded marketplace through strategic storytelling and memorable marketing.

Prior to founding Ellis Communications Marketing, Michelle was a partner at Orapin Marketing + Public Relations. Before that, she worked as a communications consultant and publicist at Starz Entertainment. She began her career as a news anchor and reporter for KCBY-TV. Michelle has worked with clients in various sectors, including entertainment and events, education and government, lifestyle and consumer, nonprofit, restaurant and retail, publishing, and

A respected local industry leader, Michelle served as the 2021 President of the Colorado Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA Colorado). She was honored as one of Denver Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2016 and named PR Person of the Year by PRSA Colorado in 2015.

Beyond her professional achievements, Michelle is deeply committed to community service. She co-coordinates the C.A.S.T. for Kids event at Chatfield Reservoir, supporting children with disabilities, and actively volunteers with PRSA Colorado. She is a member of the Colorado Business Community for the Arts (CBCA), Home Builders Association of Metro Denver (HBA Metro Denver) and its Professional Women in Building Council, and the South Metro Denver Chamber. Her leadership roles have included serving on the executive leadership team for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Rocky Mountain Chapter, leading committees for HBA Metro Denver’s Home Professional Women in Building Council, and holding multiple leadership positions within PRSA Colorado. 

Michelle earned her Bachelor of Arts in Technical Journalism and Communications from Colorado State University. A native Coloradan, she is an outdoors enthusiast and enjoys frequent weekend trips to the mountains with her husband, their three sons, and two dogs.

SPEAKING EXPERTISE

Michelle is a dynamic speaker who regularly presents on communications and marketing topics to diverse audiences, including small business owners, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and students. She has led engaging discussions and training sessions for organizations such as Ad Club, PRSA Colorado, Denver Startup Week, Denver Young Professionals, Mile High Scribes, Small Business Development Center, and the Crankset Group.

Passionate about mentoring the next generation of professionals, Michelle also enjoys guest lecturing at Colorado State University’s Department of Journalism & Media Communication and speaking to members of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).

Topics she has spoken on include:

  • Beyond Buzz: How PR Shapes Public Perception and Fuels Growth
  • From Influence to Impact: Transforming Your Business with Strategic Partnerships

  • From Everyday to Extraordinary: Finding the News in Your Business

  • Becoming the Expert: PR Strategies to Elevate Your Brand and Influence
  • The ROI of PR: Tracking Metrics That Show Real Value
  • Newsjacked: Tips for Injecting Your Brand Into Breaking News Stories
  • You Need a MASTER Marketing Plan!

 

Fun Facts

  • Colorado native
  • Loves the outdoors and escaping into the mountains to go hiking and camping 
  • Can often be found boating at Chatfield on summer weekends

Award Recognitions

 

PRSA Colorado Chapter Service Award
Denver Business Journal's 40 Under 40
PRSA Colorado Silver Pick Award
PRSA Colorado Public Relations Person of the Year