Elissa Tikalsky

About Elissa Tikalsky

Multifaceted professional who enjoys collaborating with equally passionate colleagues and…

Experience

1. Senior Technical Program Manager - Pinterest Support Operations

   Pinterest

   Aug 2022 — Present · Madison, WI, US

   As a Senior Technical Program Manager in Pinterest Support Operations, I drive the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of user support systems that power support for millions of Pinterest users worldwide. My recent work centers on leading the global expansion and enhancement of our generative AI-powered support chatbot, including launching it on new surfaces, integrating it with user data for more personalized support, and ensuring rigorous safety, privacy, and compliance standards through cross-functional collaboration, and incident management.This multifaceted role spans data‑driven insights, vendor management, stakeholder alignment, integrated risk review, and the design of scalable technical systems that lift quality and efficiency across our systems and team. Beyond direct chatbot program expansion, I have spent the past year+ enabling our team to take advantage of generative AI tooling without compromising our high safety and user experience standards. By partnering closely with Security, Trust & Safety, Legal, Engineering, and Sourcing, I provide subject‑matter expertise to leadership, help develop the review and governance processes for our team\'s GenAI tooling, and develop monitoring and incident management processes to ensure safe, high‑quality implementations.Beyond core TPM work, I support our highly cross‑functional support operations team with planning, project tracking, and visibility, while fostering team wellness and connection. As a PinPlanet lead, I have the privilege of collaborating with colleagues across the company, with significant institutional support, to advance climate awareness, build partnerships, and champion practical solutions across our work and our platform.

Education

• Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment

  Master’s Degree

  2015 — 2017

• The School for Field Studies

  Costa Rica Sustainable Development Study Abroad Program

  2010 — 2010

• University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

  Individual Courses for Professional Development

  2013 — 2015

• Lawrence University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

  2008 — 2012

Skills

• Sustainability
• Community Outreach
• Teaching
• Editing
• Qualitative and Quantitative Data Analysis
• Environmental Education
• Nonprofits
• Public Speaking
• Research
• Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methodologies
• Ecology
• Data Analysis
• Tutoring
• Environmental Policy
• Event Planning
• Non-Profits
• Public Policy
• Conservation Issues
• Environmental Awareness