Our Team

Theo Ellington

Senior Vice President, Northern California

Theo is a third generation San Franciscan, with over a decade of experience using community engagement to drive public policy and address complex issues in urban spaces. In his role as the Vice President of Public Affairs and Community Relations, Theo combines his passion for organizing with experience in public, private, and non-profit organizations to work on behalf of clients in Northern California.

Prior to S360, Theo was the Director of Homeless Initiatives & Community Development for The Salvation Army San Francisco. Here he led the organization’s efforts to double its impact on homeless services and redevelop its real estate portfolio. During his time there, Theo increased new revenue by $10m, led the property master planning process, introduced new programs to fight food insecurity, aided in their COVID-19 response, expanded social service offerings, and established deep partnerships with city government and value aligned non-profit agencies.

Theo also served as the first Director of Public Affairs for the Golden State Warriors through 3-championship seasons. He spearheaded the community organizing efforts and political strategy for the privately financed $1.2 billion-dollar Chase Center and mixed-use development for the Warriors move to San Francisco. His efforts garnered approvals from over 10 public agencies and amassed a coalition of over 30,000 supporters from neighborhood groups, organized labor unions, advocacy organizations, and residents. Theo’s impactful coalition management led to a comprehensive community benefits package that included workforce development programs, opportunities for small businesses, new investments in public transportation and over $4m in philanthropic giving.

In public service, Theo was appointed to several commission positions by three successive San Francisco Mayors – Gavin Newsom, Edwin Lee and London Breed. Most notably, he served as Commissioner for San Francisco’s Office of Community Investment & Infrastructure, where he led the creation of over 1,000 affordable housing units. During his tenure, the commission worked to reinstate over $50m in community investments for housing, jobs, arts, local infrastructure, and long-standing development initiatives.

As a community organizer, Theo led efforts to oppose the predatory practice of Stop-and-Frisk in San Francisco and was founding president of the Black Young Democrats of SF, now named Black Citizen. In addition to running for public office, Theo has served as field director for a number of local political races. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame de Namur University in Political Science and a Master’s of Urban Affairs from the University of San Francisco.

Theo Ellington
can be reached at
theoe@strategies360.com