Josie Ellis joined API as Director of External Relations in July 2026. Originally from Kansas, she was first introduced to Alabama through the Distinguished Young Women and Mitchell Scholar programs. Today, she proudly calls Alabama home. Josie holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of South Alabama, where she earned dual majors in Finance and Marketing Management.

Josie brings experience across public affairs, financial services, higher education, and trade association advocacy and communications. Throughout her career, she has leveraged cross-industry expertise to build strategic partnerships, advance organizational priorities, and strengthen engagement with key stakeholders.

She believes API’s core values—strong families, free markets, and limited government—provide the foundation for a more prosperous Alabama and a stronger future for generations to come. For Josie, joining API represents both an honor and an opportunity to invest in her community, state, and nation through meaningful work that advances these principles.

Josie is married to her college sweetheart, and they reside in Alabaster, Alabama.