2024 Chandler Volunteer Recognition Awards

Ellen Harrington started Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities fifteen years ago and has made an indelible mark on the Chandler and AZ  Irish community since. For over ten years, Ellen has spearheaded the  student exchange program between students in Chandler and Tullamore, Ireland which has welcomed dozens of students to Arizona and sent the  same to Ireland.

Given the ties between Chandler-based  companies like Intel, PayPal, and Microchip sending ex-pats to Arizona, resulting in Maricopa county having the 4th largest Irish population in the United States, this connection is essential to the diverse community  of Chandler. Her volunteer efforts have resulted in economic  development initiatives, youth exchanges, art and culture exchanges, and  Chandler's exposure to an international market.Ellen also joined the  Board of Trustees for the Irish Cultural and Learning Foundation (DBA Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library) in 2021, bringing further  connection to Phoenix and Chandler and other cities through the  Arizona-Irish Sister Cities programs (six in total). Ellen is a master  connector whose passion for both Irish heritage and the City of Chandler  combines to perfectly position her for success in these roles. Her  volunteer efforts cannot be overlooked nor diminished in their impact to  the community.