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September 2, 2024 / 2024 Lifetime Achievement & C-Suite Honorees

2024 C-Suite Honoree: Eric Harrison

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Eric Harrison is an experienced nonprofit leader, strategist and relationship builder who serves as president and CEO of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.

Harrison’s entire career has been dedicated to helping the most vulnerable, from his Peace Corps service in rural Madagascar to working more broadly with United Way and LGBT advocacy.

In his role, Harrison brings public and private sector partners together around a shared vision of collective impact to change lives.

What have been your biggest professional accomplishments over the past year? I reduced employee turnover by 50%, from 27% down to 11% year over year.

I’ve led the organization through a multi-year strategic planning process that included nearly 30 one-on-one interviews and hosted more than 40 community conversations, speaking to nearly 400 people in central and northeastern Connecticut, along with a realignment of staff to increase operational and fundraising excellence.

I executed the sale of United Way’s building at 30 Laurel St., which will bring an infusion of housing to the neighborhood and increase United Way’s capacity and resources to make a greater impact in the 860 region.

In what ways are you involved in the community? I am part of the choir at the Asylum Hill Church, a member at the Jewish Community Center in West Hartford, and served on the selection committee for the Granby Greater Together Community Fund. Most recently, I was appointed chair of the United Ways Chief Professional Officers Council in Connecticut.

On the job

Guiding business principle: Leadership growth equates to revenue growth.

Best way to keep your competitive edge: Don’t let technology outpace you.

Best business decision: Selling our building at 30 Laurel St.

Worst business decision: None to date, but give me time.

Biggest missed opportunity: Larger-scale affordable housing development at 30 Laurel.

Goal yet to be achieved: Ending poverty in the 860 region.

Personal touch in your office: Miniature Yoda made from 3D printing.

Personal side

Place of residence: Granby

Favorite way to relax: Being goofy with my son after work.

Hobbies: Singing, swimming and family excursions.

Last vacation: Los Angeles

Favorite movie: “Titanic”

The car you drive: Volvo X60

Currently reading: “Long Island,” by Colm Toibin

Favorite cause: Ending homelessness

Second choice career: International journalist

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Eric Harrison

President & CEO

United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut

Size of organization: $12 million; 45 employees

Education: MBA, Minnesota School of Business

 

 

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