Ellen Knecht

Melissa James
Aug 29
2 min read

Updated: Nov 10

Donor Relations Manager, United Way

Partner: Woody Denmon, CB Dance Studio

From world traveler to Williamsburg dancer

People don’t usually ask Ellen Knecht how she’s been—they ask where she’s been. Always up for an adventure (or a little shenanigan), Ellen is a mix of joie de vivre, carpe diem and a genuine passion for serving others.

As part of the team at United Way of the Virginia Peninsula, she works closely with donors and volunteers to connect generosity with real impact across our community. If she looks familiar, it might be because you’ve seen her at the Williamsburg Farmers Market, Second Sundays or a local concert—or maybe you caught her on HGTV’s House Hunters (S207 E10, "Merging Households in Virginia") or spreading kindness through LEAD Greater Williamsburg’s community initiatives.

Originally from a small town in Michigan, Ellen has long called Williamsburg home. She spent over a dozen years as a dedicated Realtor, helping clients navigate some of life’s biggest moments with care and enthusiasm. Her career has also included several years with Colonial Williamsburg, where she did everything from making bricks and planning educational programs to scouting photo shoot locations.

Outside of work, she loves walking her pup, Petey, and dreaming up her next travel adventure. She's also the proud mom of three amazing kids: Eomer, a high school senior, trumpet and french horn soloist, and proud band president; Ginny, who splits her time between Colonial Williamsburg’s Fife & Drum Corps and her ever-growing bookshelf; and Pip, who’s usually petting a dog, cracking a joke, or diving into student council activities.

Ellen’s love of travel has taken her to China, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Mexico, England, Ireland, Greece, Iceland and her favorite destination—the Azores. Her next trip? Probably wherever there’s a good deal or wherever her wanderlust pulls her. Whether she’s in the air, on the dance floor or out in the community, Ellen brings energy, heart, and a deep love for making meaningful connections everywhere she goes.