
Melanie Lyons
July 15, 2025
Bekah Holt
July 15, 2025
National Staff
Seth James Ellis
He|Him
Community: National Staff
Position: Senior Director of Business Development
Seth is passionate about serving young people, building community, and cultivating a culture of philanthropy. These passions come together in his work at Summer Search, where he serves as Senior Director of Business Development, leading strategic partnerships, business development, and initiatives that expand the organization's reach and impact.
In this role, Seth works with corporate and institutional partners to develop innovative programs that support young adults as they navigate education, careers, and personal growth. He also helps lead the growth of Summer Search's Depth Mentoring Institute, which translates the organization's more than 35 years of experience in mentoring into training, coaching, and consulting for managers, educators, and other adults who support young people.
Building on his longstanding leadership of Summer Search's alumni engagement efforts, Seth remains a champion for elevating alumni voices and engaging them in every facet of the organization's work—as volunteers, staff members, donors, and advocates in their communities. His work reflects a belief that lasting relationships, meaningful opportunities, and a strong sense of community are essential to both strengthening Summer Search and helping the young people it serves to thrive.
Before joining Summer Search, Seth spent more than six years in alumni relations and development, most immediately at his alma mater, UC San Diego. He had a 10 year career producing concerts, festivals, and community events, and continues to consult producers and organizations on event design and strategy. Seth has volunteered with organizations including the New Leaders Council, the San Diego LGBT Community Center, the Trevor Project, and I'm From Driftwood.
In his free time, Seth loves to cook, practice yoga, sail on the water, explore the Bay Area, and travel near and far with his husband, Jared, and their daughter, Noemi.
Seth is passionate about serving young people, building community, and cultivating a culture of philanthropy. These passions come together in his work at Summer Search, where he serves as Senior Director of Business Development, leading strategic partnerships, business development, and initiatives that expand the organization's reach and impact.
In this role, Seth works with corporate and institutional partners to develop innovative programs that support young adults as they navigate education, careers, and personal growth. He also helps lead the growth of Summer Search's Depth Mentoring Institute, which translates the organization's more than 35 years of experience in mentoring into training, coaching, and consulting for managers, educators, and other adults who support young people.
Building on his longstanding leadership of Summer Search's alumni engagement efforts, Seth remains a champion for elevating alumni voices and engaging them in every facet of the organization's work—as volunteers, staff members, donors, and advocates in their communities. His work reflects a belief that lasting relationships, meaningful opportunities, and a strong sense of community are essential to both strengthening Summer Search and helping the young people it serves to thrive.
Before joining Summer Search, Seth spent more than six years in alumni relations and development, most immediately at his alma mater, UC San Diego. He had a 10 year career producing concerts, festivals, and community events, and continues to consult producers and organizations on event design and strategy. Seth has volunteered with organizations including the New Leaders Council, the San Diego LGBT Community Center, the Trevor Project, and I'm From Driftwood.
In his free time, Seth loves to cook, practice yoga, sail on the water, explore the Bay Area, and travel near and far with his husband, Jared, and their daughter, Noemi.