Erin Garner-Ford | Chief Strategy Officer
Erin Garner-Ford, Salt + Light’s Chief Strategy Officer, has been our lead in areas of strategic planning, grant writing/administration, organizational development and compliance since January of 2020. She joined us in a part-time role as an independent consultant only two and a half months after the launch of Salt + Light.
With a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Multicultural and Gender Studies from California State University, Chico, and a Master of Arts in Leadership and Organizational Studies from Fresno Pacific University, Erin has an extensive resume which includes 18+ years in non-profit organizational development roles, and 8 of those years in the role of Executive Director of a non-profit. Prior to joining Salt + Light full-time in January, Erin spent the past three years consulting with several agencies across the Central Valley, in addition to ours. She also brings experience in grant writing and grassroots fundraising efforts. She brings with her years of action-oriented, policy-relevant, and community-engaged research, having written published work that includes program curriculum, advocacy guides, articles, and opinion editorials.
When Erin is asked why she chose to move from consultancy to the Chief Strategy Officer role, she says: “I love Salt + Light! I thrive in inclusive places and value teams that lead with integrity. I am committed to our community and love our neighbors. I am passionate about a place of belonging-- a place where everyone can be themselves. I feel at home here, and I love the mission and vision of Salt + Light!"
Erin loves to spend time with her family above all else. She was married in 2001 to her husband Jason, whom she shares three awesome kids with: Jackson, Olivia and Emily. Jason and Erin enjoy bowling on a team at Visalia Lanes each week, as well as watching soccer at Soccer City 1852 in Visalia. Erin is a big fan of the LA Lakers, despite her family's love for the Golden State Warriors. She is smitten with her 2 dogs, Theo and Shirley.
Fun fact: Erin has a not-so-secret LOVE of (or ahem, obsession with) spreadsheets. Thank goodness someone does!
Food: Indian, Mexican, and Thai
Drink: Diet Dr Pepper
Movie: Oh boy! I don’t have one! Can we just say I watch Basketball?! :)