Erica Hopkins

Erica Hopkins has enjoyed a career in Administrative and Leadership positions in the private sector, nonprofit sector, and the federal government. In those roles, she has tackled some of today’s most challenging issues, among them homelessness, affordable housing, workforce development, job placement, payday lending, financial literacy, gang violence, and breaking the cycle of dependence on public programs to achieve self-sufficiency.

Working on these issues, Erica has been involved in long-term strategic planning, policymaking and has served on various committees and panels, including the White House Faith-based Initiative Conference for Successful Partnerships - Homelessness/Homeownership. As a housing expert, Erica has led seminars and conducted workshops on these critical issues.

Working with community groups and elected officials, Erica has written proposals to secure funding for nonprofit organizations, with grants awarded from Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Counseling Grants ($1.3M), HUD Housing Search Assistance grant ($254K), and the Josephine S. Gumbiner Foundation ($30K). She has worked closely with federal and local officials in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Carson, Moreno Valley, and other locations throughout Los Angeles and Riverside County. Also, Erica has been responsible for philanthropic giving in the private sector, funding initiatives related to science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM); military and veterans; health and human services programs, and environmental sustainability. Under Erica’s leadership, projects have been funded in Alabama, Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, and New York.

Erica holds a Bachelor of Science and Master’s degree in Public Administration and recently completed her Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration, with an emphasis on Nonprofit Leadership. Erica is a graduate of Leadership Huntsville and holds a certification in Corporate Citizenship Management from Boston College. Erica is a graduate of Cornerstone Word of Life Church Bible Institute/School of Ministry, receiving a Biblical Studies degree. Erica recently completed the Alabama League of Municipalities’ 2020 Municipal Leadership Institute in Montgomery, AL.

Erica lives in Triana, AL with her husband JC and enjoys spending time with family, especially their 2-year-old grandson. Erica and JC are active members of Cornerstone Word of Life Church and support various outreach and community initiatives.