Colleen Elson
Executive Vice President
Colleen leads FTP’s state and field campaigns leveraging a bi-partisan network of consultants across the country, bringing the debate back home, localizing the narrative and activating influencers and constituents.
Colleen is an executive vice president in FTP’s public affairs practice. She brings more than two decades of experience leading integrated communications and public affairs campaigns at the federal, state, and local levels for a diverse portfolio of clients, including Fortune 50 companies, nonprofit organizations, and trade associations. She oversees FTP’s 50‑state field network, guiding strategy and execution across markets.
Prior to joining FTP, Colleen founded and led Elevation Advocacy, a boutique public affairs firm. Earlier in her career, she served as vice president of public affairs at Capitol Direct Messaging, where she directed issue advocacy campaigns for clients across multiple industries, including AARP and Ford Motor Company.
Colleen’s expertise centers on advancing complex issue advocacy efforts at the state and local level, leveraging grasstops engagement, strategic communications, and targeted voter outreach to drive legislative and regulatory outcomes. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Loyola University Maryland and also studied at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom. Colleen lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with her husband and son.
