Eric Schnell

Director of Strategic Initiatives, Multidisciplinary Institute for Child Welfare @College Of Education And Human Development - University Of Minnesota

St Paul, MN, US

As Director of Strategic Initiatives at MICW, I provide high-level strategic guidance and organizational leadership across several multidisciplinary, grant-funded centers including the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW), the Minnesota Linking Information for Kids (Minn-LInK) project, and the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy (MNCWTA).My role centers on advancing MICW’s mission through strategic planning, cross-functional coordination, and capacity building. I lead organization-wide planning efforts, assess growth opportunities, develop and track performance indicators, and advise on policy, communication, and operational alignment. I also serve as a key advisor to MICW’s Executive Director and senior leadership.In addition, I lead diversity, inclusion, justice, and equity (DIJE) strategy and integration across all MICW entities. I support leaders and faculty in aligning their work with MICW’s equity commitments and foster collaborative relationships to ensure inclusive, community-informed practices throughout our research, training, and outreach initiatives.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

B.S., Psychology

Colorado State University

M.Ed., Counseling/Career Development