Kristi Ellefson is a proud Murrow graduate (Class of 2001) who turned a love of storytelling into a career in strategic communications and marketing. Guided by the Murrow principle that intelligence cannot be a substitute for experience, she has built a diverse professional background across PR and marketing agencies, nonprofits, biotech and life sciences startups, insurance, and financial services. Kristi also holds a master’s degree in communication and leadership from Gonzaga University.
Kristi currently serves as the Marketing Communications and Foundation Manager at WaFd Bank, where she leads integrated marketing campaigns, corporate partnerships, and philanthropic initiatives focused on meaningful community impact. Her experience spans managing PR, marketing, and communications teams; leading global tradeshows; developing brand campaigns; overseeing media buying; conducting market research; and driving social, SEO, and digital marketing efforts. At the center of her work is a passion for shaping brand reputation through authentic, strategic storytelling.
Committed to giving back, Kristi volunteers with a variety of nonprofits and serves on the board of directors for the Seattle Sports Commission and the Murrow Professional Advisory Board, supporting the next generation of communicators as they learn to tell stories that truly matter.