Eric joined Connect Michigan in July 2011 as the State Program Manager. Since then, he has built and led a nationally recognized team that has produced the nation's first Certified Connected Community. Eric has developed relationships with statewide, national, and international groups that are partnering with Connect Michigan, and their parent non-profit Connected Nation, to solve problems of connectivity, and to bolster the value of internet connections. Eric's interest in strengthening Michigan's economy lies in the development opportunities and community benefits surrounding the expanded access, adoption, and use of information and communications technology.

Prior to joining Connect Michigan, Eric worked for LSL Planning, Inc. as a Project Planner. In this role, Eric was responsible for comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance development, transportation planning, the development of specialized Cost of Community Services Studies, economic development and grants related projects, all for various cities throughout the state of Michigan, the mid-west, and Alaska. He holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Science degree with a Major in Planning and a Minor in Geographic Information Systems from Northern Michigan University, and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners.