Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.

Walter P. Paepcke, Aspen Institute Co-Founder
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Lorelle Atkinson

Vice President, Communications and Marketing; Co-Chair, the Aspen Partnership for an Inclusive Economy

Lorelle Atkinson is the Vice President for Communications and Marketing at the Aspen Institute, where she serves as chief strategist and steward of the Institute’s brand. She oversees the planning and execution of the Institute’s marketing and communications strategy, ensuring its voice reflects Aspen’s role as a trusted convener of ideas and leaders. She also leads Aspen’s in-house communications agency, providing counsel and creative strategy for more than 30 public policy programs.

Previously, she served as Vice President for Congressional and Public Affairs at the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the U.S. government’s foreign assistance agency established by President George W. Bush. During the Obama administration, she oversaw all aspects of the agency’s domestic and international communications, including media relations, executive communications, events, digital strategy, and outreach. She also strengthened MCC’s relationships with Congress, NGOs, businesses, and the American public. As a member of MCC’s Investment Management Committee, she helped guide the allocation of more than $1 billion annually in federal development grants worldwide and led the rollouts of initiatives such as Power Africa, Feed the Future, Let Girls Learn, and the Open Government Partnership.

Lorelle also founded LCA Consulting, where she advised mission-based and global development organizations and companies on brand strategy, narrative, and audience growth.

She is a frequent public speaker and moderator, sharing insights on leadership, communications strategy, and the role of storytelling in public life. She has appeared on panels and podcasts across sectors.

Atkinson has served on several boards, including Washington Women in Public Relations and the Rise United Education Fund. A Texas native, she now lives in Northern Virginia with her family.