Ellen M. Jordan

Ellen Jordan is CEO of Global Grounds which specializes in product development and lab testing of custom and private label coffee beverages. Global Grounds supports the quality programs and standards established by clients in the QSR, coffeehouse, foodservice and retail channels.

Ellen began her career in coffee almost 40 years ago, working first at Wechsler Coffee, the (then) largest privately held U.S. coffee roaster. Ellen held numerous positions in the organization including president of their specialty coffee division and later as VP Operations overseeing the company’s three roasting facilities and quality assurance initiatives.

Ms. Jordan was president and founder of America’s Food Technologies, Inc. (AMFOTEK), a manufacturing operation specializing in blending and packaging of custom and private label beverages which she owned and operated from 1998 – 2019.

During her career, Ellen has actively served in leadership capacities on numerous coffee industry boards. She is board chair of the Coffee Quality Institute where she has proudly served for 25 years. She is a past director of the Specialty Coffee Association and is a recipient of the SCA’s Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award. Additionally, Ellen serves on the National Coffee Association’s Scientific Leadership Council and was the recipient of the NCA’s 2021 Volunteer of the Year award.

Ms. Jordan holds Bachelor of Science and MBA degrees from the Illinois Institute of Technology. In 2022, Ellen was named Illinois Tech’s eighth, and first woman, University Regent in recognition of her decades of service and leadership to the university. Ellen is co-chair of the Board of Trustees and serves as chair of the advisory board of the Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH).

Ms. Jordan is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and is also a member of The Economic Club of Chicago, The Executives’ Club of Chicago, and The Chicago Network.

Ellen has three adult daughters and lives in Chicago.