Eric Davis

Biography

Eric Davis is Vice President, Basic Needs, Health and Outreach for United Way for Southeastern Michigan. He joined the organization in 2011 and leads the organization’s work in Community Impact with a focus on early childhood, family stability, health, economic opportunity, student success, policy and community engagement.

Eric has more than 15 years of experience working in state government. He began his career in public policy and politics working for the House Fiscal Agency as a research assistant while finishing his undergraduate degree at Michigan State University.

After graduating from Michigan State University, Eric became legislative director for State Rep. Bill McConico and eventually became his chief of staff. Eric was tapped to serve in the same capacity for State Sen. Bert Johnson, following Rep. McConico’s departure from the legislature.

Eric has also worked for the Michigan Association of Counties as its lead lobbyist pertaining to transportation, environment and regulatory affairs, and housing issues. Representing all 83 counties at the state and federal levels, he was responsible for strategy development and coordination for numerous legislative initiatives.

Most recently before joining United Way, Eric served as Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s deputy director of legislative affairs, working closely with various state departments and the legislature to advance policy initiatives encompassing a wide range of issues including education, energy and regulatory reform. While in this role, Eric spent much of his time developing and implementing political strategies through advocacy and coalition development.

Eric joined United Way as a Director of Community Impact. In this capacity, his primary responsibility was to carry out a comprehensive strategy dedicated to increasing usage of available food programs designed to combat food insecurity, while focusing on strengthening existing distribution programs and ushering in positive changes to the current food system through advocacy, innovation and collaboration.

Eric is the chair of the local Emergency Food and Shelter Program board, which is tasked with distributing Federal Emergency Management Agency funds to local community-based organizations. He is also a member of the Michigan 2-1-1 board of directors and the Macomb Children’s Healthcare Access Program.

Eric has been honored multiple times by the Michigan legislature for contributions in service of the people of the state of Michigan. He was also appointed to the Michigan Renewable Energy Task Force.

Eric is married and has two daughters. He enjoys camping, playing sports and reading.