Alumni Spotlight: Ellen McElroy ’78

Meet Ellen McElroy ’78, member of the Indian Springs Board of Governors. Ellen has a bachelor’s from Emory University, a J.D. from the University of Denver, and an LL.M. from Georgetown University. She is currently a partner at Eversheds Sutherland, LLP, in Washington, D.C.

We recently caught up with Ellen about her professional life, her favorite memories from her time as a student, and why she’s excited to give back to Indian Springs as a member of the Board of Governors and alum:

Partner, Eversheds Sutherland, LLP, an international law firm located in Washington, DC. I moved to Washington after working in Ben Erdreich’s (an ISS parent) campaign to work in his DC office. I liked DC so much I’ve stayed here pretty much ever since.

Unless you love it, you should find something else to do. You spend more time at work than any place else, so life is too short not to love work. I love advising clients on tax issues; the rules are always changing and clients are varied, which means every day is different. My work is both intellectually engaging and strategic. As an added benefit, I get to learn about a range of businesses and the issues that drive them. My work life is interesting and never dull.  

Writing has always been important to me. I am so lucky to have had my work scrutinized by R.J. Stegner. He made me an example too often on the “error sheet,” but he definitely helped me to become a stronger writer.

My proudest accomplishments are mostly personal successes on behalf of a client. Persuading the Treasury to change a published position, successfully resolving a matter, developing a creative strategy for a vexing business issue, or finding ways to work with someone challenging a client’s position. Nothing press worthy, but it is always an accomplishment to find a way to successfully resolve a client’s issue. 

 

There is no typical day. Today I am meeting with Treasury policy personnel to request changes in tax guidance. Tomorrow, I’m meeting with clients in an effort to minimize the impact of a provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill.

Watching mud football on the dorm circle, winning the state soccer tournament, town hall meetings in the library, and concerts at the Hut.

My life would have been totally different had I not graduated from Springs. I found the joy of learning and learned how to study. More importantly, I discovered the value of a supportive and enriching community.

What clubs, organizations, or sports teams were you part of, and what special memories do you have of them? 

I participated in a number of sports, but my heart belongs to soccer. So happy to have been part of a soccer team during my time at Springs. 

 

I count myself so lucky to be part of the Board of Governors, which helps me to stay in touch with Springs. Being on the board, I continue to be in awe of the caliber of our students, faculty, and staff. Springs was a great place when I was in school, and I have learned from my time on the board that it remains an excellent educational environment offering its students the opportunity to achieve their full potential. An added benefit is that I have the opportunity to get to know other Springs alums. I continue to be impressed by the depth and breadth of our graduates.   

 

There are so many ways for alumni to give back and get involved with Springs. My advice is that any involvement, large or small, is beneficial to the school and to our alumni. We see alumni involvement as important with support for ongoing school efforts and alumni events, including for example, the recent book club, holiday party, or Alumni Weekend. We also appreciate alumni participation in ongoing events at school, for example, Harvest Under the Stars, sports, concerts, and plays. For any alumni, I’d suggest if you haven’t come out to Springs recently, you should come out to campus. It’s wonderful to see how the school has grown and to experience the student energy on campus.

 

As the Chair of the Advancement Committee, I cannot fail to mention the importance of our active alumni community’s financial support. Springs benefits from alumni Annual Fund support, capital contributions, scholarship efforts, and endowment commitments. We are approaching 50 years of co-education and 75 years of graduates, and Springs continues to thrive, in large part, due to the generous financial support we receive from our alumni community.

 

Count yourself lucky to be part of such a wonderful community and make the most of your time at Springs. When you graduate, we will welcome into the vibrant alumni community.