Elisa Cardnell is an experienced leader, a military veteran, and a former educator.

Elisa Cardnell served in the Navy on active duty for five years, and in the Navy Reserves for six years. During her time in the military, she specialized in anti-submarine warfare and operational level of war planning. She served onboard USS Ramage (DDG 61) and worked on the staffs for Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic and Yorktown Naval Weapons Station. She also provided support as a Reservist for theater anti-submarine operations for both training and real-life events. Elisa is a service-connected disabled veteran.

Elisa taught high school math and physics while she was in the Reserves. When medical issues ended her Navy Reserves career, Elisa ran for office. As a single mom, her campaign made history as the first federal campaign to have a childcare provider on staff. She then started an educational non-profit, and has worked to support moms and working-class candidates running for office. Her awards include Rookie Teacher of the Year, the Reserve Officer Association Department of Texas Sea Service-Navy Outstanding Junior Officer of the Year 2015-16, and leading her team on USS Ramage to win the Bloodhound Award for excellence in anti-submarine warfare.

Elisa joined SWAN in 2021 as the Director of Operations and has been the Chief Executive Officer of SWAN since July 2023.