Taylor Geospatial Institute (TGI) is proud to announce theappointment of Elliott Kellner, Ph.D., MBA, as its next ExecutiveDirector. Kellner’s selection comes at a transformative moment in theInstitute’s evolution, following its successful transition to an independentnonprofit organization earlier this year. This new chapter positions TGI todeepen its partnerships, expand its impact, and advance its mission of drivingworld-class geospatial research and innovation from its base in St. Louis.
“TGI was founded to strengthen our region’s leadership ingeospatial science and innovation,” said Kellner. “I am honored to lead thisextraordinary organization into its next chapter—building on our strongfoundation, accelerating research partnerships, and translating geospatialscience into real-world solutions that make a difference locally, nationally,and globally.”
Kellner brings a distinctive blend of scientific expertise,strategic leadership, and partnership-building experience to the role. A formerresearch faculty member at a land-grant, R-1 institution, he worked with theUnited States Department of Agriculture to support basin-scale agriculturalconservation, advancing sustainable land and water resource management. Morerecently, as part of Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Kellner helped forgecollaborations between research teams and emerging technology companies,accelerating the commercialization of novel agtech innovations. Since joiningTGI, he has served as Chief Financial and Operating Officer and, most recently,as Interim Executive Director—guiding the organization through its transitionto independence.
“Our Board is supremely confident that Elliott’s vision,experience, and deep commitment to TGI’s mission make him the right leader forthis moment,” said Robert Cardillo, Chair of the TGI Board of Directors. “Goingforward, Elliott's unique ability to connect world-class research withreal-world impact is precisely what will allow TGI to strengthen its role as acatalyst for innovation and economic growth.”
As Executive Director, Kellner will lead TGI’s efforts tounite researchers, government, and industry to solidify St. Louis’s position asa global geospatial innovation hub. His appointment reflects TGI’s enduringcommitment to advancing the science, technology, and workforce development thatunderpin a thriving geospatial ecosystem.
About TGI: The Taylor Geospatial Institute bringstogether eight leading research institutions to accelerate geospatial researchand innovation. Its work advances national competitiveness, strengthensregional economies, and tackles pressing global challenges through geospatialscience.
