Andy Erickson

Current

Director at HOPE worldwide Cincinnati Chapter
Product Manager, Global New Media at Cengage Learning
Director, Center of Innovation at University of Cincinnati

Writer at Professional Freelance Writer
Industry Advisory Board at University of Cincinnati College of Applied Science IT Program

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2 more...

Past

Consultant / Community Ambassador at LÛCRUM
Career Coordinator at LÛCRUM
Manager, Microsoft Custom App Team at LÛCRUM

8 more...

Education

University of Cincinnati

Recommended

27 people have recommended Andy

Connections

500+ connections

Industry

Publishing

Websites

Andy Erickson’s Summary

Motivational leader able to generate peak team performance and tremendous loyalty. Led local and global initiatives bridging cultural gaps and creating communication structures to ensure progress and a successful outcome. Gifted writer and interpersonal communicator. Community evangelist highlighting the accomplishments of the region's innovation, technology, and non-profit sectors.

My passion is people, and, to me, Life is about the journey. I hate impersonal process, and I work to explain the value of a process to people as well as unlock both individual and team value in a given environment. I value the contributions of the region's talented and creative class and volunteer my time to ensure others get exposure and access to great experiences.

Currently:
Director, UC Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in IT
Director, HOPE worldwide Cincinnati chapter
Product Manager at Cengage Learning
Director, Cincinnati .NET User Group
UC A&S Alumni Advisory Board
UC CAS IT Program Industry Advisory Board
UC AA Programming and Services Committee
Agenda 360 Citizen Advisory Panel
Soapbox contributor

Andy Erickson’s Specialties:

Collaborative Leadership
Public and Community Service
Career and Life Mentoring
Entrepreneurship and Venture Strategy
Personnel Leadership
Interpersonal Communication
Employee Management
Retention Strategy
Public Speaking
Marketing Communication
Writing as a Call To Action
Community Evangelism
Connector
Business Development
Sales and Proposal Writing
Social Media
Project Management
Vendor Management
Process Engineering

Andy Erickson’s Experience

Director

HOPE worldwide Cincinnati Chapter

(Non-Profit Organization Management industry)

May 2009 — Present (7 months)

HOPE worldwide focuses on programs that benefit the poor and needy around the globe. Developing sustainable, values-based programming ensures communities receive not only services but the education and resources to replicate themselves. The no-cost hospital in Cambodia will serve its 1Millionth patient in 2009. An Indian leper housing development and AIDS clinics in Africa have served those constituencies for over a decade.

The Cincinnati chapter partners with the University of Cincinnati, Hamilton County commissioners, Hamilton County JFS, and has brought other faith-based and community organizations together to implement a high-stakes, outcome tracked mentoring program for foster children aging out of the system and transitioning to post-secondary education. The Cincinnati chapter also runs a number of successful blood drives and an annual toy drive that reaches thousands of children.

HOPE worldwide Cincinnati offers valuable opportunities for volunteers and aspiring leaders to develop their character and skills as they build stronger communities.
Product Manager, Global New Media

Cengage Learning

(Privately Held; Publishing industry)

February 2009 — Present (10 months)

In this role I develop product strategy and manage a portfolio of digital products that support Cengage Learning's Business and Economics line of business. As higher-ed publishing business moves towards student-centric models, digital solutions provide the growth.
Director, Center of Innovation

University of Cincinnati

(Educational Institution; Higher Education industry)

February 2009 — Present (10 months)

In this role, I'm developing infrastructure to connect talented students and great ideas to the regional venture community. This effort includes building partnerships with other colleges within the University, college supporters, the venture and incubator community, and the entrepreneur community. The outcome is a course of study that gives technology students real-world entrepreneurship experience and support.

My work with the College of Applied Science IT program over the years has helped me understand a gap that exists for a small subset of the talented students who develop imaginative ideas as part of senior design. Without a transition plan, IP strategy, entrepreneurial support, and access to the right relationships, the students and their great ideas leave the region.

The Center of Innovation is one more block in the foundation of regional efforts to retain the region's young professional, talented, and creative class.
Writer

Professional Freelance Writer

(Privately Held; Writing and Editing industry)

January 2009 — Present (11 months)

I don't have a lot of time to write. That said, building strong community and pointing out the great people and the great things going on in the community is one of my strongest personal values. Bad news is ubiquitous, so why perpetuate it? Go to Soapboxmedia.com and read about all the trends, initiatives, and highlights that make Cincinnati a hotbed of innovation and culture. And while you're there, search for "Andy Erickson" and review some of the contributions I've made.
Industry Advisory Board

University of Cincinnati College of Applied Science IT Program

(Educational Institution; Higher Education industry)

May 2007 — Present (2 years 7 months)

This is a give-back-to-the-community role, which is at the heart of my personal values. I currently serve as an adviser, guiding program and curriculum focus regarding macro industry trends in information technology.

In this role, I've had the opportunity to work closely with Chris Howard and Dept. Head Hazem Said, two visionaries, to develop a strong program that benefits both the students and the industries looking for talented graduates.

While in this role I've created promotional video and stories describing creative senior design projects with a goal of retaining these talented students to the region's benefit. I've also proposed and have been instrumental in the creation of the program's Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in IT, serving as the director from its inception. I've mentored and advised top students in employment and career paths, personally hiring a number of graduates. And I've served as a Tech Expo judge since 2007.

Additional Information

Andy Erickson’s Websites:

Andy Erickson’s Interests:

Foremost, my time is spent devoted to my wife and three beautiful daughters. Helping them learn to make good decisions for themselves is my first love. My other passion lies in connecting people, and to that end I have contributed much of my energy to regional efforts to retain the young professional, talented, and creative class. I write for Soapbox, InOneWeekend, and my personal blogs MakingADifference and CincyTechCommunity. I serve on advisory boards for UC's IT Program and McMicken College, and the UCAA Programming & Services committee. I also direct the Center of Innovation, where I work to connect great students and ideas with the venture community. Born and raised in Buffalo, winter sports have embedded themselves in my DNA. I love Miami U hockey and a day on the slopes, although neither of these happen very often. On the off chance I find myself with a few reticent moments alone, you'll probably find me on my bike somewhere between Morrow and Oxford, Ohio.

Andy Erickson’s Groups:

• Member UCincinnati College of Applied Science IT Program Advisory Board,
• Member UCincinnati McMicken College of A&S Alumni Advisory Board,
• Committee Member UCincinnati Alumni Association Programming & Services,
• Greater Cincinnati Venture Association,
• Director Cincinnati .NET Users Group,
• Soapbox Contributor,
• Facilitator for Marriage Dynamics