Erica Sullivan

I attribute my success to my attention to detail, drive and focus on compliance work. I've been certified under Texas Transparency Stars, which is a certification program through our State Comptroller that our finance department has to get first, but then other departments can get it too. I've been certified under that program and have even spoken about it in different presentations. Beyond the technical skills, I think what's really made a difference is understanding that economic development is very dynamic - it's never a dull day. I also believe strongly in fostering partnerships because in the long run, that really pays off. When you have strong relationships with your workforce development partners, your major employers, your universities, the Small Business Development Center, and Workforce Solutions, you can really help companies at any stage. That network of partners is essential to being effective in this field.

If I was going to give advice to an economic developer, it would be about establishing relationships and working with your partners. In economic development, you need to collaborate with your workforce development partners. You've got to know all the players, and it doesn't matter if you're in the city or if you're in an economic development corporation - you will want to work with your businesses and your major employers. Business retention and expansion is critical. You also need to work with universities. Here we have two universities, UNT and TWU, as well as a junior college, which I'm a regent for, so I'm always advocating for junior colleges as well. You need to foster those partnerships because in the long run, that really pays off. When you have all those partners - like the Small Business Development Center that comes out of our chamber and our community college to help write business plans, or Workforce Solutions with their on-the-job training grants and customized training for things like welding - you can help companies at any stage. That's the key: building those relationships so you have the resources to support businesses no matter what stage they are in their development.

Public service is definitely one of my most important values - you don't go into government without wanting to serve. Transparency and integrity are also critical to what I do, which is why I've pursued certification in Texas Transparency Stars and have given presentations on it. I also believe strongly in attention to detail and compliance in my work. Beyond my professional values, work-life balance is really important to me. I make sure to make time for my family. We like to do a lot of outdoor activities together. I personally practice yoga, which helps me stay centered and grounded. And of course, church is important to me as well. I try to maintain that whole balance between my professional responsibilities and my personal life.