Ellen Taverna, JD, is the Associate Director of the Together for Medicaid program at Community Catalyst. In this role, Ellen leads federal and state strategy for the program, in coordination with related Community Catalyst programs and the Together for Medicaid national campaign team.

Previously, Ellen worked as the public policy director at The Arc of Massachusetts (The Arc). There, Ellen supported The Arc’s government affairs, policy, and advocacy efforts to promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Prior to The Arc, she held the role of legislative director for the National Association of Consumer Advocates, a nonprofit of more than 1,500 consumer advocates, where she oversaw legislative and advocacy activities and led coalition campaigns. Ellen has also served as a consumer protection manager and counsel for the National Association of Attorneys General.

Ellen received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Villanova University, and a Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law. She lives with her husband and two children in Newton, Massachusetts.