Erica Lynn Cunningham

About Erica Lynn Cunningham

My environmental sustainability consulting is focused on providing strategic planning, project design and project management for NGOs and businesses looking to conduct meaningful community outreach and engagement for resource conservation programs in fisheries, watersheds and wildlife. My belief is that we cannot achieve a sustainable future without finding ways that allow for people and nature to thrive as one. By viewing environmental management and policy from both an ecosystem-based and market perspective I craft solutions that not only meet conservation goals but also provide the tools to help local economies and communities grow in the right direction. With experience from Indonesia to Cuba to Alaska, I have the ability to work in many different cultural contexts, navigate foreign policy and forge unique partnerships around the globe. More specifically, I have extensive experience in the NGO and private sectors managing public-private partnerships, corporate social and environmental responsibility programs and coordinating events, specializing in environmental conservation and natural resource management, as well as sustainable development planning. More specifically, I enjoy working in rural development and sustainable resource use in fisheries and forestry. I am fluent in Spanish, and proficient in French, Italian and Portuguese. I look forward to using my international experience and languages to advance my career goals. I have over a decade working experience in Latin America and SE Asia. Specialties: Sustainable development planning, environmental project management, event management, non-profit management, PR, teaching and community outreach, fundraising, research and communication, international negotiation, political risk analysis. I also have a very good working knowledge of outdoor sports industries such as skiing, biking, surfing and outdoor sports apparel.

Experience

1. Associate Vice President, Latin America, Oceans

   Environmental Defense Fund

   Nov 2016 — Present

   Previously I was directing our work in South America for EDF Oceans, and now I lead EDF\'s efforts in Latin America for EDF\'s Oceans and Fisheries Program with a focus on climate resilience, adaptation and mitigation.

Education

• The Johns Hopkins University - Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)

  MA, International Development & Environmental Policy

  2005 — 2007

• Middlebury College

  BA, International Studies and Political Science

  1999 — 2003