Brian Ellner is an LGBT rights activist, media and political strategist. He was formerly the executive vice president for public affairs at Edelman in New York[1][2][3] and currently leads BCW's U.S. corporate practice,[4] in addition to his role as US Public Affairs lead for WPP, a leading global marketing communications company.” [5] He was the architect of two successful pro-gay marriage campaigns, TheFour2012[6][7][8] and New Yorkers for Marriage Equality.[9][10] His efforts were considered instrumental to the 2011 passage of the Marriage Equality Act in New York.[11]
He serves on the board of directors of Athlete Ally[12] and is widely referenced in the LGBT sports movement.[13][14][15] In 2014, he founded a global campaign for the Sochi Olympics to feature Russia's anti-LGBTQIA + laws. In June 2022, Brian was named one of the Crains' New York business notable LGBTQ leaders and was ranked 30 of 100 of city's state magazines 2022 Pride Power List.[16] Brian Ellner married Jarrett Olivo, Director of Global Marketing for Tiffany & Company on October 2, 2021 in Manhattan.[17]
