Lisa Osborne Ross

Lisa Osborne Ross recently left her position as U.S. CEO of Edelman, where she led employees dedicated to developing communication, campaigns, and actions that evolve, promote and protect enterprise brands and reputation. Ms. Ross was instrumental in achieving Edelman’s milestone status as the world’s largest and most profitable public relations firm with client revenue exceeding $1 billion. Her success pathway was setting a “purpose with profitability” strategy and vision for the U.S., serving as trusted advisor to senior Fortune 500 executives, partnership with higher education, and government institutions providing counsel on business strategy, social purpose, corporate and public affairs, and DE&I initiatives. Ms. Ross was instrumental in creating and executing Edelman’s Covid-19 strategy; its Racial Justice; and launching new client offerings like the Societal Issues Navigator and Out Front, that advises clients on LGBTQ issues. Ms. Ross was a contributor and Ambassador of the agency’s landmark trust and credibility research platform, Edelman Trust Barometer Global Report.

Ms. Ross is a communications industry veteran with over 30 years of experience as an in-demand social impact, public affairs, and crisis management counselor. She is known for bringing balanced and inclusive solutions to complex business and societal challenges. Prior to Edelman, she served as Managing Director of APCO Worldwide’s flagship office. During her 13-year tenure at Ogilvy Public Relations she founded and headed the Multicultural and Public Advocacy Practices and led the agency’s Public Affairs Division. During the Clinton Administration, Ms. Ross served as U.S. Department of Labor Communications Director, Deputy Director of the bipartisan Federal Glass Ceiling Commission, co-authored the Commission’s landmark final report and was a member of the inaugural team of the White House Office of Women’s Initiatives and Outreach. 

Ms. Ross devotes considerable time to her philanthropic endeavors, particularly her efforts to build a better Washington and to empower the next generation of leaders. She co-founded and led the Washington Area Women’s Foundation, raising millions of dollars to fund grassroots organizations addressing the needs of women and young girls throughout the Washington metropolitan area. At Howard University, she helped establish a scholarship fund for students in the public relations field.

Ms. Ross has served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Meridian International Center, Catholic Charities of America, National Partnership for Women and Families, Washington Jesuit Academy, Ad Council and Leadership Council for the Capital Area Food Bank. She is also a member of the Executive Leadership Council and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Recent recognition includes Forbes 50 Over 50 honoree, PRWeek’s Power List recipients, and PRovoke Media’s Individual Achievement Award winner.