POWERFUL presentations to build support and understanding

For 17 years, Erik has been CEO of the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County in California. He is a recognized innovator and leader in America’s food bank network. His book, ‘Hunger into Health,’ with an introduction by Jeff Bridges, has been a rallying point for those who want to move from simple charity to building long-term food security through education and empowerment. He is responsible for creating innovative national award-winning programs such as ‘Healthy School Pantry’ and ‘Kid’s Farmer’s Market’. He is a previous Board Member of the California Association of Food Banks and sat on the National Advisory Council of Feeding America.

Erik wrote ‘Lulu and the Hunger Monster’ in response to the Foodbank’s work with many families facing food insecurity. His goal was to help inspire kids to seek short term and long-term solutions - together. Two sequels to Lulu, “Jesse and the Snack Food Genie’ (looking at junk food) and ‘Frankie versus the Food Phantom’ (about growing your own food and the food system) are also available from Free Spirit Publications. Lulu won a Social Justice Book Award in 2021. Erik holds a MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Erik provides amusing, inspiring and thought-provoking presentations to diverse groups. He works with varied organizations to ensure that the presentations are tailored to your communication objectives. He loves to promote interaction, as he knows the pain of sitting there as the powerpoint slides flash by in a blur of text blocks.

Erik has a background as a playwright and filmmaker and served as a principal in two production companies. His short film, ‘The Gallery,’ starring Helena Bonham Carter was selected for the London Film Festival. His theater work has been produced on the London Fringe. He has won an International Television Association Award for writing and directing educational drama. His novel and audiobook, 'Private School Punk,' will be released in 2026.