Elena Tosana
Director of Operations
About
Elena is an accomplished leader with over two decades of international experience at the crossroads of public and private sectors. Her expertise lies in economics, specifically focusing on bilateral trade and commercial matters spanning China, the U.S., and Europe. With a robust background in program management, she has cultivated a wealth of knowledge in steering multifaceted initiatives.
Before her tenure at PAL, Elena played a pivotal role in enhancing the Bretton Woods Committee's policy influence through pioneering and engaging programs that transcended diverse audiences and multiple continents. During her time in Washington, D.C., Elena served at the Embassy of Italy, where she meticulously analyzed and deciphered geo-economic trends influencing transatlantic trade relations. Her responsibilities extended to meticulously planning and executing end-to-end economic and commercial diplomacy outreach events and programs.
Prior to this, Elena served as an Economic Analyst and Protocol Director at the U.S. Consulate General in Naples, Italy. In this capacity, she spearheaded a spectrum of commercial diplomacy events and projects, delving into China's strategic positioning in the European landscape while actively supporting U.S. investments in Italy and Europe.
Elena spent 13 years living and working in China before transitioning to the U.S. As the Executive Director of the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce, she engaged extensively with government officials and the business community, leading impactful policymaking initiatives and programs. Her collaborative efforts extended to partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the EU Chamber of Commerce in China. Prior to this role, Elena spent seven years in the private sector, aiding Italian businesses in developing their manufacturing and sales facilities in China.
Elena holds a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Oriental Languages and Literatures, complemented by an MBA. She is a military spouse, and an active member of the Women in Foreign Policy Group.
Originally from Italy, she relocated to the U.S. in 2015 and proudly became a U.S. citizen in 2019. Elena resides in Arlington, Virginia, with her husband and daughter.
Let's Get
Social
