Ellie Spresser

Former Operations Manager

Ellie Spresser finds far-reaching connections between the seemingly unrelated. She thrives when studying the fuzzy areas–the spaces in between. She’s inquisitive, always has a follow-up question, and oftentimes a question after that. Spresser’s passionate about wrangling projects so they run smoothly, on time, nothing gets dropped, and they land with impact.


Prior to becoming the Chief of Staff at Normal Next, Spresser was the Public Service Assistant at Fordham University where she earned a Master of Arts in International Political Economy and Development. The position was a fully funded fellowship for students pursuing a public service career.


She taught English and trained English teachers as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Indonesia. Spresser led workshops on gender-equitable teaching practices and creating student-centered classrooms. She worked on a team to host the West Java English Competition, bringing together over 130 students and 32 schools, attended by the US Ambassador to Indonesia. Whether serving as an advocate and leader or cooking Indonesian and American recipes with her counterpart, Bu Nia, she savored every moment.


Spresser has traveled to more than 20 countries, with professional experience in five. She was a dual Women’s Studies and Art major at Agnes Scott College, a Phi Beta Kappa member, and won several academic awards. Her inquisitive nature and unstoppable drive have drawn her into posts at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Clinton Foundation, and the High Museum of Art.

When she’s not at her computer, she’s reading a novel, planning her next adventure, doing yoga, or relaxing with a puzzle. She’s is always exploring, trying new things, learning, and asking, “What’s next?”