Elena French

Elena French is the Program Director for the Corporate Communications Strategy Council. She is a strategic marketing, brand, and communications executive who helps organizations turn complexity into clear and compelling narratives that move people and move the business. As an independent consultant, she partners with Fortune 500-level companies, high-growth firms, and leading agencies to elevate brand relevance, strengthen strategic narratives, and modernize marketing and communications functions in a rapidly evolving technology environment. 

Before launching her consultancy, Elena served as Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Marketing, Communications, and Brand at Lincoln Financial Group, where she modernized the enterprise marketing function, strengthened brand equity, and led award-winning advertising and sponsorship initiatives. Earlier, she spent more than a decade at TIAA leading brand strategy, advertising, creative services, and institutional marketing, including transforming the in-house agency into an IHAF In-House Agency of the Year. 

Elena also serves as faculty for Signature Leaders, where she helps teach rising executives how to communicate with influence, build trust at scale, and craft stories that inspire action. Her work blends real-world executive experience with a pragmatic, leadership-forward approach that accelerates growth for individuals and organizations alike.  

Elena began her career in the US Army Reserve as a Public Affairs Specialist. She subsequently worked as a reporter in Washington, DC, gaining firsthand experience in clarity, credibility and the power of well-crafted narratives.