Staff Spotlight: Erica Shrader
Erica Shrader didn’t set out to build a career in public policy—but a recession-era job application changed everything.
“Coming out of college, I was applying to advertising jobs when, by chance, I took a role on a congressional campaign,” she said. “That experience completely changed my career path.”
That turn led Erica to Washington, D.C., where she spent six years working in Congress on legislative policy, including education. When she returned home to North Carolina, she continued to deepen her expertise—working her way through senior leadership roles in the North Carolina State Senate, including policy advisor to the President Pro Tempore, Chief Budget Advisor, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, and Director of Strategic Initiatives.
Across more than two decades, Erica has built a career at the intersection of education policy, economic development, and governance—work she has never stopped feeling passionate about.
“When the opportunity came along to join NCInnovation—where my legislative experience and love for our higher education system could truly be an asset—it was an easy yes,” she said.
Today, Erica serves as Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Corporate Secretary at NCInnovation, a role that sits at the center of the organization’s operations and governance. Her work spans compliance, board support, and government affairs—ensuring the organization’s structure, strategy, and mission move forward in alignment.
“I work closely with teams across the organization—program, finance, corporate—and serve as a liaison to our Board,” she explained. “It’s about making sure everything we do is grounded, transparent, and positioned for long-term success.”
What drew Erica most strongly to NCInnovation was the mission itself—and the people shaping it.
“I had wonderful conversations with both Dr. Bennet Waters and Michelle Bolas,” she said. “Their passion for building something new and impactful was clear. I’ve always loved serving my home state, and this felt like a chance to lend my expertise to something that could benefit all of North Carolina.”
One of the most meaningful aspects of Erica’s role is acting as a bridge across the organization.
“I enjoy connecting the various parts of NCI—program, finance, corporate, and board,” she said. “It’s a unique vantage point, and it allows me to see how ideas become action.”
That vantage point also gives Erica a front-row seat to the research and innovation happening across the UNC System. Through her work with the Program Committee, she reviews projects from universities statewide—work she describes as both inspiring and unlike anything she has seen elsewhere.
“There is no other organization I know of that brings together this level of research talent from across an entire university system,” she said.
At a broader level, Erica sees her role as critical to sustaining NCInnovation’s long-term impact.
“Building strong relationships between NCInnovation, our Board, and the General Assembly is essential,” she said. “That trust and alignment help ensure continued investment in research, partnerships, and economic growth.”
Looking ahead, Erica hopes NCInnovation will be known for unlocking the full potential of university research—and for helping solidify North Carolina’s reputation not just as The Innovation State, but as The Destination State for business and economic growth.
“This work is about creating opportunity,” she said. “When research succeeds, communities succeed—and that’s what makes this mission so powerful.”
