Robert Joseph Ellis Jr

Mr. Ellis graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1994 and returned home to attend Loyola University New Orleans law and business graduate schools. While in graduate school, Mr. Ellis worked as the Director of Government Relations for Hibernia National Bank managing the Hibernia People for Good Government Political Action Committee wherein he proposed legislation and worked alongside state and federal legislators. Mr. Ellis graduated with a Juris Doctorate and Masters of Business Administration in May of 1998. After graduating Loyola University, Mr. Ellis began as an attorney working primarily in the area of municipal taxation and finance. In 2002, Mr. Ellis was selected to Chair the New Orleans’ Mayor’s Transition Team Task Force on Sales and Use Tax Collection. Thereafter, he began representing the City of New Orleans in Sales and Use Tax Collection matters as Special Tax Counsel. In 2004, Mr. Ellis became an Assistant City Attorney representing the City in an expanded role. In 2005, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, he was designated as “essential” staff and returned to the City to assist in its rebuilding and recovery. Soon thereafter, Mr. Ellis was promoted to Deputy City Attorney and assigned additional duties in General Litigation, Finance (municipal finance and taxation), and representing the New Orleans Municipal Employees’ Retirement Board. During this time, he also served as an Administrative Law Judgment overseeing proceedings related to blighted housing.  In June 2011, Mr. Ellis resigned from the City to pursue his passion as attorney-entrepreneur.

After leaving the City, Mr. Ellis utilizing the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Investor Pilot Program (EB-5 Program) authored a business take combined the foreign investment funds, with both the Louisiana and Federal solar tax credit programs creating one of Louisiana’s first solar lease programs.  Mr. Ellis oversaw all aspects of the business operations, and, more importantly, qualified for all State and Federal credits afforded under the programs.  During this time, he served as the Vice President and General Counsel of the Uptown Solar Group installing several megawatts on residential homes through Louisiana. 

Thereafter Mr. Ellis assumed the management and direct day-to-day business operations of Gulf Coast Regional Center, L.L.C., a licensed regional center, working to promote economic redevelopment and permanent job creation throughout Louisiana. Identify key focus areas for future investment, including green technology; manufacturing and distribution; coastal redevelopment and reforestation; and sustainable development of mixed-use commercial projects under the guidelines of the EB-5 Program.

Mr. Ellis also serves as General Counsel for a variety of businesses, with a primary focus on corporate law, both established and start-up ventures with expert counsel in all phases of business development.