Ellen Cooper Receives 2026 Chamber of Commerce Paradigm Award

PHILADELPHIA, PA - December 17, 2025 -Today, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia (the Chamber) announced that Ellen Cooper, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Lincoln Financial (Lincoln), will receive the 2026 Paradigm Award, the region's most prestigious award for a businesswoman.

"A true paradigm of success, Ellen Cooper's leadership at Lincoln Financial has been transformative. As Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, she has strengthened the company, optimized its operating model and identified innovative ways to deliver products and services that meet customers' evolving needs, all while honoring the company's 120 years in business and demonstrating an ongoing commitment to the region's business community," said Chellie Cameron, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber.

Prior to her current role, Cooper was Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer, Head of Enterprise Risk and Annuity Solutions at Lincoln. She joined the organization in 2012 and was instrumental in developing and executing Lincoln's general and separate account investment strategy, overseeing more than $300 billion in assets and managing the Corporation's industry-leading hedge program.

"I'm deeply honored to accept the Paradigm Award. This recognition is truly a reflection of our exceptional people at Lincoln Financial-whose dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our mission of providing financial protection and security for our customers and their families inspires me every day. I'm proud of the work we do together and the passion we bring to serving our customers, strengthening our communities, and helping more people confidently succeed their way."

Before joining Lincoln, Cooper served as Managing Director and Global Head of Insurance Strategy for Goldman Sachs Asset Management. Earlier in her career, she was the Chief Risk Officer for AEGON Americas. She also served as a Principal at Ernst & Young LLP and in an insurance consulting role at Towers Perrin.

Cooper currently serves as co-chair of the Steering Committee on Prudential Issues for the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) and is a member of the ACLI's Executive Committee and Compensation Committee. Additionally, Cooper is a member of the Board of Trustees of Temple University. Previously, Cooper has served on the Board of the Lincoln Financial Foundation, and as Chairman of the Lincoln Variable Insurance Products (LVIP) Trust Board.

Beyond the boardroom, Cooper has championed Lincoln's flagship sponsorship of Lincoln Financial Field and the Philadelphia Eagles, amplifying civic pride across the city as well as bolstering Lincoln's community engagement. And in recent years, the company has invested in other notable community-forward partnerships, including the Eagles Autism Challenge and the recent revitalization of the Cobbs Creek Golf Course, further reflecting Cooper's commitment in leveraging corporate leadership to leave a tangible, positive legacy for the broader Philadelphia community. She is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, a CFA charterholder and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Actuarial Science from Temple University.

"Ellen Cooper is an extraordinary leader whose influence reaches well beyond the financial services industry. As President and CEO of Lincoln Financial, she has guided the company with vision and integrity. Her leadership has strengthened our region's economic vitality and inspired countless professionals. We are thrilled to recognize Ellen as this year's Paradigm Award honoree," said Joan Waters, The Paradigm Committee Chair and Chief Executive Officer of COFCO.

The Paradigm Award Luncheon will be presented with support from title sponsor Jefferson on March 24, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Grand Belle at The Bellevue.

In conjunction with the Paradigm Award, The Paradigm Scholarship for Working Women awards up to $5,000 to women pursuing their undergraduate degrees while working full-time at Chamber member companies, enabling a new generation of women leaders to impact Greater Philadelphia's business and civic community. In 2025, the Chamber awarded 22 scholarships to working women. Since 2000, the Chamber has awarded over 240 scholarships totaling nearly $1 million.

The Paradigm Award has been given annually since 1993. Ellen is joining a distinguished field of past recipients that includes Ellen Yin, Founder and Co-Owner, High Street Hospitality Group; Susan Jacobson, President, Jacobson Strategic Communications; Joan Waters, CEO, COFCO; Donna Allie, President and Founder, Team Clean, Inc.; Eileen McDonnell, former Executive Chairman, Penn Mutual Life Insurance; Jami Wintz McKeon, Chair of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP; Wendy Hamilton, former General Manager, SugarHouse Casino; Teresa Bryce Bazemore, former President, Radian Guaranty, Inc.; Emily Bittenbender, Owner and Managing Partner of Bittenbender Construction LP; Sue Schick formerly of UnitedHealthcare; Mary Stengel Austen, former CEO of Tierney; Renee Amoore formerly of The Amoore Group; and Judith von Seldeneck, Founder and Chair of Diversified Search Companies.

For more information, visit: chamberphl.com/signature-events/paradigm-award

About the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia

The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia works together with members, investors, and stakeholders, to realize our bold vision: Greater Philadelphia is a top global destination for business and a leader in inclusive growth. As the metro-regional chamber of commerce serving the 11-county, tri-state Greater Philadelphia region, we are the premier organization to convene and connect business, government and civic leaders to drive economic growth and prosperity for all.

Contact:
Shannon McLaughlin
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