Elena Salsitz

Elena Salsitz has taught International Business Protocol & Diplomacy for 17 years at SDSU. She was selected as Most Influential Professor for the International Business Dept for 3 of the last 6 yrs and was honored at 3 College of Arts and Letters graduation ceremonies. She was also recognized by the Vanguard Group as an Influential Faculty Member, and was awarded Honorary Membership in the Golden Key International Honor Society at SDSU, one of four faculty members selected annually by student Honor Society members. Read more

Ms. Salsitz has served in a number of protocol/diplomacy roles, including as Chief of Protocol for the City of San Diego, Chief of Protocol for NASA (Johnson Space Center in Houston), British Honorary Consul in SD (a State Department and British government appointment), Protocol Chief for the San Diego Chamber of Commerce’s Insights Program, and Special Assistant to the Mayor of Indianapolis. As the City of San Diego’s Chief of Protocol, she served under 3 Mayors and led the City’s diplomatic affairs and international relations, managing relationships with diverse city communities, including corporate, trade, military, non-profit, and international organizations. As NASA Chief of Protocol, she hosted and managed the visits of Presidents, Cabinet members, kings and queens, international heads of state/govt, foreign ministers, legislators, CEOs, celebrities (movie, TV, music, etc); she was awarded several NASA honors including the NASA Administrator’s Commendation, Certificate of Commendation, Superior Achievement Award, and multiple Outstanding Performance awards. She also worked with the cast and crew of the film Apollo 13, and appears in the credits.

While serving as NASA Chief of Protocol, she served a detail in the White House Social Office, coordinating holiday events in the Executive Office of the President (EOP), Office of the Social Secretary. Other professional positions included financial and strategic analyst of NBC’s satellite broadcasting system, public affairs analyst for anticancer and other pharmaceuticals for a multinational pharmaceutical company, and deejay at an album-oriented rock station in North Carolina. Ms. Salsitz has an undergraduate degree from Duke University and an MBA from Columbia University Graduate School of Business.