As Executive Director, Eric will guide the organization in its mission to empower women and eliminate racism through programs and services focused on women in transition, homeless families, seniors, and health and wellness. Last year, the YWCA of Greater Portland served nearly 36,000 women, children and families in the community.
 
Eric joins the YWCA with fifteen years of progressive non-profit management credentials, most recently after eight years with the American Red Cross Pacific NW Blood Services Region where he served first as Chief Operating Officer and then as Chief Executive Officer. As CEO of the regional Red Cross blood services operation, Eric directed an organization of 700 employees in supplying life-saving blood products to 83 hospitals through Oregon, Washington, and SW Alaska. Eric holds a masters degree in Public Health (MPH) from Portland State University and also serves as a board member to two local non-profit organizations: Donate Life NW and Hands on Greater Portland. 

“Speaking on behalf of our Board of Directors as well as our staff, we are thrilled that Eric has joined us to lead the YWCA. He comes to us with a proven track record of implementing systems, plans and strategies, and brings a warm and genuine personality to our direct service organization. Eric is well equipped to enhance not only how we operate internally, but also how we join other organizations in Portland to serve the populations in need."

"Building on a strong and immediate assessment of where we stand currently, Eric has already begun to collaboratively construct our future vision and the steps by which we will grow the services we offer. We look forward to working with him on achieving these new goals."
                       -Jennifer Johnson, YWCA Board President 2008-2009