The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) has announced that Richard Ellis, vice president of communications for McDonald’s USA, has been elected to the board of directors. 

“We could not be more delighted with the addition of Richard to the Board,” said NGLCC Co-Founder and President Justin Nelson. “Richard brings his extensive experience in communications and public affairs to a dynamic team of leaders,” Nelson continued.

“I’m thrilled to join the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce team and ready to get to work,” Ellis said.  “I share the NGLCC’s passion for business growth and development within the LGBT community and I look forward to playing a role in moving these important initiatives forward.” 

Prior to his promotion to McDonald’s USA, Ellis held the position of vice president, communications & public affairs at McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada Limited. Before joining the McDonald’s organization, Ellis was president & chief executive officer of Weber Shandwick Worldwide (Canada) Inc., Canada’s leading national public relations consultancy. 

While at Weber Shandwick, Ellis managed the firm’s business operations across Canada and applied his strategic public relations, issues / crisis management and marketing communications expertise to a wide variety of leading Canadian and international clients.
 
In addition to being on NGLCC’s Board of Directors, Ellis is an active member of the Board of Directors of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, vice president of the board of directors of the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR) and an accredited member of the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) and the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).  
 
“Richard’s vast Board experience with LGBT and advocacy related organizations make him an excellent addition to the Board,” said NGLCC Co-Founder and CEO Chance Mitchell. “Richard is going to be a terrific Director and we look forward to working with him towards great things,” added Mitchell.