Erika Hughes

About Erika Hughes

At Pearson, strengthening and developing longterm strategic partnerships and strong government relations strategy is where I leverage over a career of experience to expand our network and relationships to bring people closer to their personal goals of achievement. My role entails meticulous oversight of our strategic partnership portfolio in the U.S, focusing on collaborations that resonate with our business goals and societal contributions.I am committed to fostering sustainable business practices, advocating for good policy reform, and enhancing our external engagement through data-driven strategies. With expertise in workshop facilitation and strategic communications, I strive to create impactful partnerships and deliver on our commitment to lifelong learning for everyone.

Experience

1. Vice President of Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships

   Pearson

   Feb 2022 — Present · CA, US

   Leads oversight and management of strategic partnership portfolio in the U.S.Identifies and evaluates new opportunities to broaden network across government associations, non-governmental orgs, non-profits, and advocacy coalitions that align with business priorities and opportunities to build reach.Establishes metrics for ROI, tracks and analyzes data effectively to make planning decisions.Builds content strategy aligned to business goals for external engagement agenda.Works collaboratively with business team leaders, and business leaders to identify priorities and develop/implement communications and government affairs plans for each state in the region. Advocates and executes government affairs efforts to the appropriate Executive, Legislative and Regulatory areas. Developed relationships in the states with key influencers, thought leaders, stakeholders, and advocates.Oversees external consultants and directs lobbying activities. Tracks, monitors, advocates, and reports on relevant legislation and regulatory proceedings and assist in the drafting and delivery of oral and written testimony, and the execution of overall advocacy strategy.Supports and staffed Pearson executives with strategy development and execution for key high-level meetings with C-level executives and elected officials to build relationships and promote partnership development opportunities focused on improving lives through learning. Plans media relations activities in coordination with communications/marketing team members, and contributed to the development of news releases, op-eds, story placement strategies and crisis communications activities. Drafts communications materials such as talking points, Q&A, press releases, Op-Eds, social media content, etc. Tracks and analyzes the performance of all government affairs strategies & campaigns to evolve strategic efforts to align with business strategy.

Education

• Harvard Business School Executive Education

  Certificate, Sustainable Business Strategy

  2021

• California State University, Chico

  Credentials, Administrative Services, Multi Subject/Education Specialist M/M

  2001 — 2002

• California State University, Chico

  Bachelor's Degree, Liberal Studies, Deaf Education, Criminal Justice

  1997 — 2000

• California State University, Chico

  Master's Degree, Education

  2007 — 2008