A venture capitalist with over 20 years of success as co-manager and lead technology investor at William Blair Capital Partners (WBCP), at Machrie Enterprises, Ellen provides angel capital, expertise and extensive connections to growth businesses. She has been a director of 25 public and private companies, currently working with four, primarily technology companies: Paylocity, Enova, The Jackson Funds; and, Cybera. Prior to joining WBCP, she was Vice President of Marketing at SPSS (analytical software) and held management roles in financial services. Passionate about the community, she currently serves as Chair of The Metropolitan Planning Council; and, was a long time board member and Chair of Communities In Schools of Chicago and The Chicago Network. She also served on numerous civic boards including the Illinois Venture Capital Association and the State of Illinois Growth and Innovation Fund. She graduated as salutatorian from the University of Notre Dame, and received an MBA with honors from the University of Chicago.