Natalee Ellars is the senior executive director, alumni engagement at UC San Diego. She leads the Alumni Engagement team which includes university-wide alumni engagement, volunteer leadership, regional engagement, student engagement, alumni relations, alumni marketing and digital outreach. 

Natalee’s prior advancement experience includes more than 10 years at UCLA Alumni in leadership roles as Senior Director, Events and Business Development; Senior Director Marketing and Membership; and Executive Director. She has been recognized for her management of numerous UCLA Alumni Days, including the most recent Centennial celebration; serving on the taskforce for the UCLA External Affairs CRM system; establishing the UCLAONE online alumni portal; as well as leading the marketing and membership teams through their transition to an “all-in” engagement model.

Passion for data and reporting is a legacy of Natalee’s first career, a decade in financial services. That passion is equally matched with her genuine care for people and building community. Natalee has a strong foundation in marketing and communications and is best known for her ability to lead through challenges with creativity and a positive attitude.

Natalee is a graduate of Claremont McKenna College with a B.A. in History and Organizational Psychology. She and her family are avid travelers and supporters of the arts.