Erika Thomas joined the Tennessee Respite Coalition’s Board of Directors in August of 2022 after learning about the organization through a grant writing class in her master’s program at Northeastern University where she studied public administration with a concentration in healthcare management and policy. As advocacy manager for the Tennessee Medical Association and former lobbyist for the Tennessee Disability Coalition, Erika brings her experience in healthcare policy and affinity for helping caregivers of those with complex medical needs to the TRC Board. She was elected Board President in March of 2023 and is responsible for leading the board to champion the strategies of the TRC and interpreting the organization’s work and value to the community and relevant stakeholders. She uses her skills with marketing and fundraising to increase donor engagement as well as utilizing her connections in the Tennessee General Assembly to elevate the work of TRC with state lawmakers to promote investment and continued growth. Erika is a native of Clarksville, but currently resides in Nashville with her two cats Cosmo and Nova.