Leadership at First Place for Youth

Erica Waterford

VP of Employment and Education

Joined First Place: 2009

As Vice President of Education and Employment, Erica Waterford provides strategic oversight, leadership, and quality assurance of statewide education and employment programming, including program development, management, and fidelity oversight, and external workforce development, education, and training partnership management. Erica brings a demonstrated history of non-profit leadership, expertise in workforce development, educational training, and career coaching.

Erica previously served as Director of Education and Employment Services and has held various positions within First Place for Youth and externally, which she contributes to grounding strategy with a connected understanding of frontline work. Erica is committed to bridging inclusive access and opportunities for ALL communities to reach stability and wellbeing through leading and developing thriving teams for larger community impact. Erica holds a master’s degree in Counseling (Education emphasis) from Chapman University and a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from the University of California, Davis.

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