Crystal Ellington

Crystal Ellington, MSM, is a dynamic communications and data professional, who tells compelling stories utilizing data and impact. Her unique skillset spans aviation, public relations, data analytics, education equity, and nonprofit. Currently, she is a Strategic Communications Analyst with SAIC, where she supports the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, specifically within Research and Engineering—Critical Technologies. Prior to that role, she was the Director of Antiracist Storytelling at the Community Center for Education Results, as well as the Director of Communications for Minority Veterans of America. She has been a fellow in the Truman National Security Project, the George W. Bush Presidential Center Stand-To Veterans Leadership Program, the Veterans Program for Politics and Civic Engagement at Syracuse University, the New Politics Leadership Academy, and the Next Step Management Program at Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. She also currently serves as a general board member for The Chamberlain Network, as well as an advisory board member for the Veterans Studies Association and PsychArmor. In her military career, she served in the United States Army as a helicopter mechanic in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and is now a combat veteran. She is a dual alumna of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Aviation Communications and her Master of Science in Management with a Certification in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, brunch, volunteering and spending time with her family.