Buckhead Woman Named CEO of YWCA of Greater Atlanta

The YWCA of Greater Atlanta Inc., dedicated to improving the lives of all women and eliminating racism in Atlanta, announced this week that a Buckhead resident will become its new chief executive officer.

Emily Ellison was appointed by the nonprofit's board at a meeting in Atlanta March 24. She will officially assume her new position July 15.

As the new CEO of the YWCA Greater Atlanta, based in Virginia-Highland, Ellison will continue on with the momentum generated by by interim CEO Sharmen Gowens. In August, Gowens will return to her role as a YWCA board member.

Ellison joins the YWCA from the Atlanta Girls’ School in Buckhead, where she most recently served as its director of advancement. She is also a co-founder of the school. From 2006 to 2011, Ellison served as president and executive director of Literacy Action Inc. In addition, Ellison is an active community volunteer and was named to the YWCA of Greater Atlanta’s Academy of Women Achievers in 2011.

Early in her career, Ellison was a general assignment editor for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and is recognized as an accomplished journalist, writer and editor.

“I am excited to have someone with Emily’s knowledge, expertise and community leadership joining us as our CEO,” said Jackie Parker, the YWCA’s board chair. “As we move forward to deliver on our mission through programs like Women in Transition, Teen Girls in Technology, EncorePlus and our Early Learning Academy, I know Emily will help take our organization to new heights as we seek to empower young girls and women and eliminate racism.”