Third-generation San Franciscan. Seasoned public affairs, government relations and community engagement executive. Over 15 years of experience as a practitioner and consultant across the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
Theo Ellington is passionate about driving social impact, fostering civic innovation and adeptly navigating the intricacies of public policy and political landscapes for clients across Northern California. Known for his strategic acumen, Theo has built a reputation for partnering with business, government, community and political campaigns to develop winning strategies and lead initiatives that tackle complex challenges in urban environments.
Before joining Brownstein, Theo managed the San Francisco Bay Area office as senior vice president for Strategies 360. Before that, he served as director of homeless initiatives and community development for The Salvation Army, where he established an in-house government affairs program to rapidly scale the organization’s homeless services, redevelop its real estate portfolio and lead the organization’s citywide COVID-19 rapid response efforts. Theo also served as the first director of public affairs for the Golden State Warriors through three championship seasons, where he spearheaded government relations, political strategy and community engagement for the privately financed Chase Center and mixed-use development.
In public service, Theo was appointed to several commission positions by successive San Francisco Mayors: Gavin Newsom, Edwin Lee and London Breed including the Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure and the Human Rights Commission. As a community organizer, Theo founded a social impact organization Black Citizen (formally Black Young Democrats) to sustain social movements and provide strategic advisory services to foundations and grantmakers. In addition to running for public office, Theo has served as field director and campaign advisor for several local political races.