2019-08-13
Ellen Swennes Kennedy to Join United Educators as Vice President and General Counsel for Resolutions Management
Bethesda, MD — United Educators (UE) announced the addition of Ellen “Ellie” Swennes Kennedy to its executive leadership team as Vice President and General Counsel for Resolutions Management.
Currently a partner at Hogan Lovells in Washington, D.C., Ellie’s primary charge will be to develop and lead claims strategies and initiatives intended to deliver optimum legal resolutions and a superior claims experience for members. She will oversee a 60-person claims resolutions team and ensure strong relationships with outside counsel working to defend UE members.
“Ellie’s 20 years of expertise and experience developing trial and mediation strategies combined with her academic credentials and commitment to collaborative work at her law firm will be a great fit with our culture and commitment to educational institutions,” said Janice M. Abraham, UE’s President and CEO. “I’m confident that she will drive an effective and efficient claims resolution process for UE members."
“This new role at UE provides me with an opportunity to engage deeply on the issues and risks facing educational institutions,” Ellie said. “I look forward to having a real impact at UE.”
Ellie earned a JD from the University of Virginia School of Law, Order of the Coif, where she was also a member of the Virginia Law Review. She earned a BA from Duke University, graduating magna cum laude and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
She is slated to start at UE on Nov. 1. She replaces Robb Jones, who will retire on Dec. 31.