Erik was raised in the Northwest Neighborhood of Vancouver and attended Vancouver Public Schools. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree from Portland State University, Erik began his career with U.S. Bancorp Wealth Management where he remained for 30 years.
Erik and his wife Barbara bought their first house in the Fisher’s Landing area where they lived for eight years. During this time, they started a family and Erik earned a Master’s in Business Administration from Washington State University Vancouver; attending night school while working full time.
Having outgrown their starter home after the arrival of their second child, Erik and Barbara moved to the DuBois Park neighborhood in Central Vancouver which their family has called home for the past 20 years.
In 2011 Erik was appointed the Vancouver Planning Commission. A quick study, Erik immersed himself in both the policy and process aspects of Planning. After just two years of service he was elected by his peers to the position of Chair in 2013; a role in which he continued through the conclusion of his second term in 2018.
In 2019 Erik was elected to the Vancouver City Council, Position 2 and was re-elected in 2021. In 2024 Erik was elected Mayor Pro Tem by his Council Colleagues.
Erik is a 2014 graduate of Leadership Clark County and was chosen by his classmates to be Class Speaker at the graduation ceremony.
Erik is a proven leader in both business and the community. He is deeply familiar with the challenges facing our city today, and has the leadership experience required to move the city forward to a future where all residents achieve their full potential to prosper and thrive.