Welcome to RELI Group’s Leadership Spotlight series! In this series, we’ll delve into the background, passions and philosophies of some of Team RELI’s best and brightest minds. Each post includes the same five questions, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the folks that make RELI great.
In today’s Leadership Spotlight, meet Stephanie Ellis, Marketing & Communications Director at RELI Group. With over 17 years of experience, she has developed strategic marketing plans, led teams of professionals, and created corporate branding and messaging in a variety of industries. Stephanie applies her expertise in marketing, communications, media and public relations while cultivating supportive and collaborative work environments where team members thrive.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that influenced your path in government contracting?
I wouldn’t say there was one defining moment – instead, a case of the right opportunity arriving at the right time. A friend who knows me well introduced me to RELI and encouraged me to consider it.
At the time, RELI was celebrating 10 years of growth and looking to hire its first dedicated marketing professional. The chance to build something new – a department, a strategy, a team – immediately spoke to me. From there, it became clear that the company’s mission-driven work, particularly in healthcare and national security, aligned perfectly with my own values. Knowing that our marketing efforts ultimately help support agencies like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid, and impact programs that serve people I care about, makes the work meaningful on a personal level.
What drives your passion for working in government contracting?
For me, it’s all about the ability to tie what I do to something that matters. Marketing at RELI isn’t abstract – the outcomes are tangible. The messages, proposals and strategies we create directly support the work of employees who are improving systems, strengthening programs and helping people across the country.
I’m also passionate about the people here. RELI is filled with smart, caring, driven professionals who truly believe in the missions of the agencies we support. If my work can help them be even a little more successful, that’s incredibly fulfilling.
And another big piece of my passion comes from mentorship. I’ve always been a believer in developing new talent, offering advice and support to anyone stepping into a new chapter of their career. RELI’s internship program has allowed me to mentor emerging marketers, see them grow in confidence and skill, and then go on to do great things. That’s been one of the most rewarding parts of my role!
How do you approach leadership and team building?
My leadership style is rooted in servant leadership. I lead by example and focus on creating space for my team to grow, succeed and be recognized for their contributions.
I believe in setting a high standard of excellence, but I also take time to explain the “why” behind the work. I think that’s something that resonates across generations – it’s not enough to to say “because I said so.” When people understand the reasoning and the impact, they’re more invested and collaborative. They become responsible and accountable for the outcomes instead of just being responsible for the task.
Transparency, consistent communication and follow-through are all essential. It matters that my team knows they can reach me, that our one-on-ones happen regularly and that I show up for them. I also like to create a sense of connection! We can talk about Taylor Swift or how the Steelers are better than the Ravens one minute and digital strategy the next. Building a team where everyone feels human, supported and valued makes the work stronger.
What innovations or trends in the government sector excite you the most?
It’s hard to ignore the impact of AI right now. I’m fascinated by how the public sector is beginning to use it to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. Within marketing, I encourage my team to experiment with AI tools – safely, responsibly and thoughtfully. I believe those who learn how to use AI effectively will stand out in the next era of professional growth.
Beyond that, I’m excited by the government’s increasing focus on design and user experience. America by Design, an executive order shared earlier this year, emphasized the importance of improving federal websites and resources to meet modern design standards and make information easier to access. That’s music to a marketer’s ears! It shows a commitment to putting the end user first. Seeing government adopt customer-centered thinking, much like the private sector does, is a trend I’m eager to watch unfold.
Can you discuss a project or initiative you’re particularly proud of?
One that stands out is the recent launch of RELI’s new website, which was built entirely in-house by our marketing team. It was an enormous undertaking that showcased the creativity, technical skill and collaboration within our group.
More broadly, I’m proud of the foundation we’ve built for marketing and communications at RELI. When I joined, there was no formal department – but, today, we’re a fully formed team known across the company for being approachable, responsive and high-performing. We’ve established a consistent brand, expanded our social presence, strengthened our thought leadership pipeline and supported RELI’s visibility at industry events.
