Elena M. Cross Named Among Central Penn Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40”

HARRISBURG, PA, Sept. 11, 2024 – Elena M. Cross, a Senior Advisor with GSL Public Strategies Group, has been recognized by Central Penn Business Journal as among its 2024 honorees for the “Forty Under 40” listing.  

Honorees are distinguished for their professional accomplishments and exemplary community service in Pennsylvania. Ms. Cross was also named in 2022 as among City and State’s “40 Under 40 State Leaders,” and was honored in 2024 by YWCA of Greater Harrisburg in its “Tribute to Women of Excellence” for her community advocacy in Central Pennsylvania.

Ms. Cross has significant experience coordinating and advancing legislative initiatives in Harrisburg. As former Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff for the Office of Governor Tom Wolf, she oversaw operations of 24 executive agencies, led the planning and implementation of the Governor’s strategic plan and worked closely with the General Assembly to advance budgetary, investment, energy, tax reform, education, election reform, public health and economic goals. Ms. Cross has helped guide numerous initiatives from development to completion include the 2022-23 $45 billion budget process, Pennsylvania’s largest tax credit package for energy and advanced manufacturing development, COVID vaccine distribution, Pennsylvania’s Broadband Authority, regional economic hub development and business recruitment, and the regulatory and executive action agenda across various industries and policy areas.

Ms. Cross also has a depth of strategic knowledge about the organization and coordination of political and field programs for key caucus operations and races. Prior to her senior advisory career in the Governor’s Office, she held executive leadership roles in the Democratic Party and election organizations.

Ms. Cross serves as a board member in organizations including the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Board of Review, Planned Parenthood Keystone and the Keystone Early Learning Center.