Ellen Bjork
Head of Marketing and Communications, Riverside Research
Ellen Bjork’s biggest recent achievement wasn’t a single project but a collection of smaller goals that advanced a modern marketing and communications function to consistently enable enterprise growth and mission impact.
“Ellen combines strategic judgment with exceptional execution,” said Dr. Steven Omick, president and CEO of Riverside Research. “She elevates the way we tell our story, aligns her team around shared priorities, and ensures our communications earn trust with both external stakeholders and our internal workforce. I rely on her as a true enterprise partner who makes the organization sharper, more aligned and more effective.”
Over the past year, her team has strengthened enterprise alignment and executive-level communications while implementing a comprehensive content strategy that integrates lead generation, paid advertising and diverse media to showcase the organization’s expertise and elevate its brand.
As Riverside Research continues to grow, this work has increased stakeholder confidence, sharpened decision-making, and ensured both external audiences and internal teams can clearly connect capabilities, opportunities and outcomes across the business, she said.
Why Watch
In 2026, Bjork’s team is heavily focused on efficiency, integration and measurable impact across the communications lifecycle. They are using data and performance insights to sharpen alignment with business development and operations, streamline execution and focus efforts on what demonstrably drives engagement and outcomes.
“I’m deeply motivated by creativity and storytelling and enjoy finding unconventional ways to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences,” Bjork said. “I’m proud to lead a team of talented and passionate marcom professionals who skillfully combine analytical thinking with creativity to communicate mission value, reinforce organizational priorities, and support informed decision-making.”
Their analysis consistently shows that quality outperforms volume, and that a disciplined, sustained flow of high-value content is the most effective way to support mission priorities, organizational readiness and continued growth in a dynamic GovCon environment.
“Our focus on clear communication, early alignment and transparency reduces potential friction, limits rework, and supports faster, more informed decisions throughout the program lifecycle,” she added.
Fun Fact: Bjork participates in local long-form improv theater, which she calls a fun way to stay adaptable and think on her feet. That same “yes, and” mindset guides her work at Riverside Research, where collaboration and creativity are key. “It’s a reminder that some of the best ideas come from staying open, curious and a little unexpected,” she said.