WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Public Affairs Council has elected Ellie Shaw, director of federal government affairs at American Express, as chair of its Board of Directors for the 2026–27 term. Shaw will lead the Council’s Executive Committee and Board as the organization advances its Horizon 2028 strategic plan and continues strengthening its role as an essential partner to public affairs professionals worldwide.

At American Express, Shaw leads political engagement programs, political contributions, and compliance and supports governance and colleague advocacy initiatives. She oversees the company’s political action committee (AXP PAC), policy education initiatives and legislative communications efforts.

A longtime Council leader, Shaw previously served as chair-elect of the Board and Executive Committee and chairs PAC PALS, a networking community for PAC, advocacy, consulting and political fundraising professionals. She is also a frequent speaker, facilitator and mentor, sharing her expertise with public affairs professionals and emerging leaders. Before joining American Express, Shaw held government affairs positions at Exelon Corporation and the Nuclear Energy Institute.

“Ellie brings a powerful combination of professional expertise, collaborative leadership and a commitment to helping others succeed,” said Public Affairs Council President and CEO Nneka Chiazor. “Her dedication to developing talent and building connections across our profession reflects the values at the heart of the Council. I look forward to working with Ellie and our Executive Committee to advance Horizon 2028, expand our impact and ensure that the Council continues to deliver exceptional value to our members.”

Shaw succeeds Scott Orr of Fidelity Investments, who will continue serving on the Executive Committee as immediate past chair.

In addition to Shaw’s election, the Council announced its 2026–27 Executive Committee:

Chair
Ellie Shaw — American Express

Immediate Past Chair
Scott Orr — Fidelity Investments

Chair-Elect
Cody Tubbs — Southern California Edison

First Vice Chair
Greg Crist — Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed)

Treasurer
Maureen Kline — Pirelli Tire North America

President/Secretary
Nneka Chiazor — Public Affairs Council

Vice Chairs

• Lee Anderson — General Mills
• Marcel Halma — Solvay
• Erik Hower — AT&T

At-Large Executive Committee Members

• Lester Bagley — Minnesota Vikings
• Nicole Collier — Procter & Gamble
• Kevin Goodno — Fredrikson Government Relations
• Katie McBreen — Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
• Katherine McGuire — American Psychological Association
• Mike Parrish — Bayer
• Patricia “Trish” Wexler — JPMorganChase

About the Public Affairs Council

Both nonpartisan and nonpolitical, the Public Affairs Council is the leading global association for public affairs professionals. The Council’s mission is to advance the field of public affairs and to provide its more than 600 member companies, nonprofits and universities with the executive education and expertise they need while maintaining the highest ethical standards. Learn more at pac.org.