Elena M. Cross

Elena 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. Among numerous major initiatives that Elena helped guide 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. She also oversaw the development of risk management, process improvements and data management structures across state agencies. Having served as a liaison between various cabinet agencies, nonprofit organizations and public and private leaders, Elena understands how to collaborate to achieve a common objective.

Elena 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, Elena held executive leadership roles in the Democratic Party and election organizations. She was Executive Director for Campaign for a Fresh Start, which coordinated gubernatorial campaign and other Democratic campaign efforts; served as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party; and was Political Director for the Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee.

Affiliations

• Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Board of Review, Board Member
• Planned Parenthood Keystone, Board Member
• Keystone Early Learning Center, Parent Board Member

Recognition

• Named among 2024 Central Penn Business Journal‘s 2024 “Forty Under 40”
• Named as an Honoree in 2024 YWCA Greater Harrisburg’s “Tribute to Women of Excellence”
• Named among 2022 City and State’s “40 Under 40 State Leaders” in PA
• Named among PoliticsPA’s 2014 “Top PA Political Operatives”
• Named among PoliticsPA’s 2012 “30 Under 30”

Education

• The Pennsylvania State University, B.A., magna cum laude, Political Science