E R I K E . C O L E

1803 FATHERLAND STREET., NASHVILLE, TN 37206 ▪ (615)969-1582 ▪ ERIKCOLE7@GMAIL.COM

PERSONAL STATEMENT, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Recognized expert in strategic planning, coalition building, program management and public policy with pragmatic expertise in community development; housing; financial inclusion; health care; public budgets; homelessness and poverty; local and state government; designing and improving anti-poverty programs.

Former local elected official with track record in results, communication and inclusion with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Thoughtful strategic thinker, planner, and facilitator.

Seasoned program developer and staff manager.

Skilled author, public speaker and social media communicator.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2013-Present Office of Mayor Karl Dean Nashville, TNDirector of Financial Empowerment

Leads Nashville Financial Empowerment Center – a public/private partnership based in the Office of Mayor Karl F. Dean which has helped over 2300 clients through over 7200 counseling sessions focused on personal budgeting, debt reduction, credit improvement, and utilizing safe banking services. Established in 2012, this partnership with the local United Way is Nashville’s largest provider of financial inclusion services.

Manages all aspects of $2 million 3-year investment in Nashville by the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund and Bloomberg Philanthropies. Responsible for sustainable funding of this program past grant term.

Coordinates with CFE Fund on successful program replication, grant compliance, program and innovation. Nashville is one of five cities replicating successful initiative which originated in New York City government.

Leads all aspects of public/private partnership between the Mayor’s Office and United Way of Metropolitan Nashville to deliver direct services.

Staff lead and architecht of Metro’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund Commission and the Barnes Fund for Affordable Housing.

Chairs Nashville’s Continuum of Care Governance Committee and serves as Mayor’s liaison to the Metropolitan Homelessness Commission.

Advises Mayor on poverty, homeless, housing and community development issues.

2002-Jan. 2013 Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services Nashville, TN

Executive Director (May ‘05 – Jan. 13), Interim Executive Director (Jan.’05 – May ’05), Public Policy Director (Aug.’02 – Jan. ’05)

Increased agency budget two-fold by increasing state contracts, securing federal grant funds, and building partnerships.

Directed increased delivery of legal services to low income Tennesseans through collaboration, leveraging resources, and technology.

Led statewide strategy to increase delivery of legal assistance through pro bono lawyer engagement and increased statewide resources.

Designed and implemented statewide programs with institutional partners to increase legal assistance for thousands of low-income Tennesseans.

Improved agency communications methods, increased field input in program work, and built stronger internal procedures and controls.

Lead statewide network of advocates to research the effects of public policy initiatives on low-income Tennesseans.

Advised public policymakers on substantive law issues affecting low-income persons in Tennessee.

Coordinated with Board of Directors to set agency benchmarks and outcome targets related to strategic goals

2003-2011 Metropolitan Nashville City Council Nashville, TNElected member representing the 7th Councilmanic District

Chair, Budget & Finance Committee, 2007-2008 President Pro Tempore, 2006-2007 Chair, Convention, Tourism, and Public Entertainment Facilities

Committee 2009-2010 Chair, Health, Hospitals, and Social Services Committee, 2004-2005 Represented diverse urban council district facing challenges of poverty,

gentrification, and urban development pressures Crafted and passed significant legislation on sustainable development,

financial inclusion, economic development, ethics reform, and cultural inclusion.

2000-2002 Tennessee Citizen Action Nashville, TNExecutive Director

Organized and implemented all major programmatic, legislative, and administrative activities for statewide non-profit consumer advocacy organization.

Spearheaded fundraising activities from individual contributions,

coalition partners, and foundation grants. Coordinated issue-based grassroots lobbying campaigns, including

direct interaction with the Tennessee General Assembly and members of Congress.

Served as Vice President of USAction, national parent organization.

1998-2000 Campaign for America’s Future Washington, DCCommunications Director

Coordinated national campaigns to influence print, television, radio, and online media through web site, events, and reports.

1997-1998 Millennium Communications, Inc. Washington, DCAccount Executive

Managed strategic planning and communications projects with a variety of nonprofit, association and foundation clients.

Led project to introduce and manage Tennessee Department of Children’s Services’ TNKIDS program.

1996-1997 Youth Vote ‘96 Washington, DCNational Coordinator

1995-1996 National Wildlife Federation’s Campus Ecology ProgramWashington, DC

Mid-Atlantic/Northeast Regional Organizer

EDUCATION

James Madison University Harrisonburg, VABachelor of Arts., Political Science; Minor in Environmental Studies

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & HONORS Chair, Continuum of Care Governance Committee, MDHA/Homelessness Commission Chair, Metropolitan Homelessness Commission, 2008 - 2012 Board Member, Metro Human Relations Support Committee, Community Foundation of

Middle Tennessee Former board member, Nashville Housing Fund, Operations Committee Chair Advisory board member, Urban Green Lab Member, Tennessee Bar Association Access to Justice Committee Advisor for Barnes Coaltion for Housing on efforts to create a Housing Trust Fund in

Nashville Member, Metro Nashville Bike/Pedestrian Advisory Council Co-chair, Moving Nashville Forward, 2012 Co-chair, Karl Dean for Mayor run-off campaign, 2007 Member, Nashville Long-Term Flood Recovery Committee – liaison to legal

services for low-income Nashville flood victims

Alumni, Leadership Nashville, Class of 2014 Alumni, Leadership Middle Tennessee, Class of 2011 Named to 2010 Nashville Business Journal 40 Under 40 Named Best Metro Councilmember, 2007, by the Nashville Scene Former board member, Mental Health Cooperative Foundation, Franklin Brooks

Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle TN, Member, Mayor’s Open Space Advisory Committee, Promise Neighborhood Advisory Committee, and Community Impact