Ellen Palmintier, JD, RN is a government affairs and public policy executive with more than a decade of experience advancing legislative, regulatory, and strategic policy initiatives at the state and federal levels. As a licensed attorney and former registered nurse, she brings a rare combination of legal, clinical, and government relations expertise to complex policy challenges.

Ellen is the founder of Palmtree Consulting, LLC, where she advises clients on government relations, public policy, and advocacy strategies across healthcare, higher education, workforce development, K-12 education, and economic development. She helps organizations navigate legislative and regulatory environments, build effective stakeholder relationships, and achieve meaningful policy outcomes.

Prior to founding Palmtree Consulting, Ellen served as Director of State and Federal Relations at Tulane University, where she led state advocacy efforts for the University and federal health policy advocacy for the University, its School of Medicine, and the Biomedical Research Center. During her tenure, she successfully secured critical state investments for research infrastructure and public safety initiatives and played a key role in advancing landmark healthcare legislation.

Ellen holds a Juris Doctor and Graduate Diploma in Comparative Law from Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from LSU Health Sciences Center and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Louisiana State University. She is admitted to practice law in Louisiana and is a registered Louisiana lobbyist.

A respected leader in government relations, Ellen has been elected to leadership positions within the Association of American Medical Colleges Government Relations Representatives Group, including service on its Steering Committee and selection as Chair-Elect.

Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, Ellen is known for building bipartisan relationships, translating complex policy issues into actionable strategies, and delivering results.