Ellie Hollander, CEO of Meals on Wheels America, Named Chief Influencer

The Communications Board names Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America, a Chief Influencer.

What does it mean to deliver influence one doorstep at a time? In this episode of Chief Influencer, Ellie Hollander shares how Meals on Wheels America provides far more than food.

For millions of seniors, the meal is the entry point to safety checks, home repairs, and vital human connection. While the brand is recognized by nine out of ten voting adults, Hollander explains that awareness alone is not enough. With one in three local providers maintaining waitlists due to funding gaps, she is leading a national effort to turn recognition into action through the End the Wait initiative.

Guiding a federated network of more than 5,000 community-based programs requires a people-centered approach. Drawing on her experience as a former Chief People Officer, Hollander emphasizes trust, listening, and shared accountability over top-down directives. She tailors her message to resonate with lawmakers, donors, and community leaders, grounding advocacy in a compelling economic reality: a year of meals, visits, and safety checks costs less than a single day in the hospital. Through culture-building, storytelling, and measurable impact, Hollander demonstrates that lasting influence is rooted in empathy, credibility, and a relentless focus on the people you serve.

Host: Anthony Shop
Guest: Ellie Hollander
Producer: The Communications Board
Sponsor: The George Washington University College of Professional Studies

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