Ericka Copeland

About Ericka Copeland

Often described as a proven “big picture-focused” performer who embodies professional integrity. My qualifications include expertise in using strategic, long-term solutions to create viable resources to ensure equitable access to excellence in diversity, inclusion and culture initiatives, education, health, and other social services to diverse populations. As a compassionate, solution-driven professional who is not afraid of the change agent role, I understand the critical need for innovative relationship building, DEI, fund development, and using data-driven analytics to ensure quality while maximizing cost containment and implementing sound business plans.EMPLOYEE, PARTNER & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT – Holistically support culture, mission and needs of major non-profit organizations in collaboration with Talent Management. Organize multiple Board of Trustees’ oversight, regulatory compliance, involvement with education, DEI, workforce, and economic development policies; expert in Operations and Program Development.MARKETING | PUBLIC AFFAIRS – Drive strategic planning roadmap and launched initiatives in collaboration with diverse constituents by envisioning and communicating organization’s equity, fund development and programs, and gaining buy-in from bi-partisan stakeholders. As public relations spokesperson, promote and market organizational brand and goals with media.BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION – Identify need for streamlined systems and executed launch plans. Implement sound strategies and collaborate in development of Dashboards, Toolkits, Scorecards to track metrics meeting companies’ diverse personnel, program, and capital needs.FISCAL MANAGEMENT – Secure funding to meet personnel, program and capital needs by steering individual donor cultivation and stewardship, events, grant writing, virtual appeals, planned giving initiatives, and corporate solicitation. Skilled in PACs, HUD, State and Federal mandates, Medicare, and other insurance/regulatory reimbursements.STRATEGIC PLANNING – Conceptualize and implement strategic plans for non-profit, social service programs for publicly funded organizations. Operationalize, implement, and monitor strategic initiatives; manage and pilot projects to test and refine strategies. PUBLIC OFFICE – Two-term elected official & Two-term President, Cincinnati Public Schools Board of Education. Established and maintain relationships with local, state, and national government leaders, key agency officials, and other public policy makers. Collaborated with city and state government, boards, and organizations.

Experience

1. Executive Director

   Sierra Club

   Mar 2022 — Present · OH, US

   Develop, execute and advance short and long term strategic, programmatic and financial goals, social and environmental justice policies, priorities, non-profit and PAC operations for the national organization’s Ohio Chapter. Manage all facets of administration, policy, budgeting and financial management, unionized employee supervision, political and legislative programming, grassroots engagement, assuring equity and inclusion, fundraising, member recruitment, engagement and support, and media relations. Financial Health | Compliance Ensure the state’s financial health by monitoring costs and strong revenue pipeline. Balance fundraising needs for 501(c)(3)(tax-deductible) and 501(c)(4)(non-tax-deductible) funds. Partner Engagement | Scale & Execution Champion and support the State’s foundational policies and commitment to racial equity and actively leading the organization to becoming more anti-racist and multicultural. Build strong relationships with non-profits and partners, elected officials, governmental agencies, conservation, social justice organizations and other constituencies working on a wide range of environmental justice issues.Internal & External Culture Created an informed and strategic growth plan for the Ohio region aligned to organization’s national ambition, priorities, and program model. Characterize the Ohio State Chapter and the Sierra Club National organization to government officials, media, business and community leaders, donors, allies, other organizations, and the public. Lead campaigns, expand positions, write comments, and foster strategies and materials for public engagement that educate and engage large numbers of people in support of campaign goals.

Education

• Walnut Hills High School

  Diploma, College/University Preparatory and Advanced High School/Secondary Diploma Program

• Wilberforce University

  Bachelor of Science, Industrial and Organizational Psychology

• Xavier University

  Master of Education Studies