BCW’s Brian Ellner Named to City & State’s Inaugural Political PR Power 50 ListJanuary 13, 2020

NEW YORK, January 13, 2020 – BCW (Burson Cohn & Wolfe), a leading global communications agency, today announced that Brian Ellner, Executive Vice President, Global Corporate Solutions, has been named to City & State magazine’s inaugural Political PR Power 50 list. The list ranks the best strategic communications pros in New York politics and policy.

“Brian is one of BCW’s most versatile leaders, as he has an incredibly extensive background across political, public affairs, corporate reputation, purpose and advocacy work,” said Jillian Janaczek, Executive Vice President, Managing Director, New York Market Leader. “This latest recognition underscores the breadth of his expertise as a leading C-suite adviser and strategic communications influencer. We are delighted that he continues to be regarded as a power player in New York.”

Ellner is a key member of the team working on the passage of the federal Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and the Equality Act. In a personal capacity, he is currently advising Democratic candidates in the 2020 U.S. Presidential race.

In addition to leading BCW’s North America Corporate Practice, Ellner is the executive sponsor for the New York chapter of BCW PRide – the agency’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group. In this role, Ellner provides guidance and direction to the group and ensures it aligns with BCW’s core values. In June of 2019, Ellner was ranked number 39 on City & State’s Pride Power 100 List.

In 2011, Ellner was the lead strategist for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) successful effort to win marriage equality in New York. He also created HRC's Americans for Marriage Equality campaign and provided strategic counsel on the 2012 marriage equality wins in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington. Earlier in his career, he was a senior aide in the administration of Mayor Mike Bloomberg, working with the NYC Department of Education to transform public education.

Brian is also a founding board member of Athlete Ally, a non-profit focused on ending homophobia and transphobia in sport and activating the athletic community to exercise their leadership to champion LGBTQ equality. In 2015 he won the ADCOLOR’s Advocate Award given annually to an advertising, marketing or media professional who increases awareness of LGBT causes within and outside of the communications industry.

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