Erika Pedersen
Chief Development Officer, CASA OC
“Erika’s philanthropy helping children turned into a career at CASA”
with CEO Regan Phillips
This episode features Erika Pedersen, Chief Development Officer of CASA Orange County, whose inspiring journey proves that professional excellence and philanthropic passion can seamlessly merge into a career of profound purpose. Erika spent over two decades in the corporate world, cultivating C-suite executive sales and strategic account management expertise within global logistics and SaaS implementation, including graduating from the esteemed USC Marshall School of Business Entrepreneur Program. Known for driving performance metrics with vision and integrity, Erika is a proven connector and talent developer who successfully led cross-functional international teams—a skill set she now strategically applies to the non-profit sector.
Erika's passion for helping children, which began as philanthropy, led her to officially join CASA as Chief Development Officer in late 2021. She immediately became a vital member of the Executive Leadership Team and serves on both the Governing Board Finance and Development Committees. In this powerful role, Erika oversees all financial resource generation, leading a dynamic multi-functional team responsible for securing the organization’s future. This includes managing high-impact areas like grants, community and corporate partnerships, major donor development, and event management.
Appearing with CEO Regan Phillips, Erika discusses the unique synergy between her private-sector expertise and the critical needs of CASA. She details how she leverages her strategic sales prowess to broker lasting donor and partner relationships, ensuring the organization can continue to recruit, train, and support the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA volunteers) who advocate for children removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in high-level non-profit management and the powerful difference that executive-level strategic philanthropy can make in the lives of vulnerable children.
Erika Pederson and Regan Phillips with Jeanne Pepper in the recording studio
Episode 219 [The second of two Interviews with Episode 218 ]
Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper
Guests: Erika Pederson, CDO and Regan Phillips, CEO Orange County CASA
Producer: Eli Moskowitz
Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper
Original Theme: Jay Bernstein
Special Thank You to our volunteers
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