Throughout the work week, David Erickson would pause, leave his iphone on his desk, walk up the dark wooden spiral staircase of the Price Center and spend time alone, reflecting and recharging with God. Freeing his mind from the potential distractions of the work, Erickson opened himself to God’s leading each day.
Erickson, the President/CEO of ECHO for the last seven years, retired from the role in September of 2022. He began work with the organization as a consultant, which then grew into a supportive executive role. Receiving the title of CEO was an unexpected blessing for Erickson. Now, years later, he is faced with saying goodbye.
In his work, Erickson has supported the
development of ECHO’s impact centers in Asia, East and West Africa, along with all aspects
of the organization that enhance training and
outreach. A large portion of his efforts consisted
of managing partnership opportunities with
other national and global organizations. He
embodies the meaning of personability in his
relationships with supporters and partners, often
making in-person visits. Valuing ECHO interns, he
encouraged the reorganization of the internship
program that would multiply their spiritual and
practical growth. Through his leadership, ECHO
increased the number of direct trainees globally
to more than 6,500 per year. Seed banks in
Thailand, Tanzania, and Florida are stronger,
more relevant, and able to share seeds across the
globe. Hundreds of agricultural resources were
published including Asian language books, the
first e-book, and more than 1,000 training videos.
ECHOcommunity has grown to offer valuable
tools such as the Green Manure Cover Crop online
selector tool and the ECHOcommunity mobile
app. Under his leadership, ECHO weathered
Hurricane Irma and the Coronavirus pandemic.
Pivoting within COVID policies, ECHO hosted
multiple virtual training events, continuing to meet
resourcing needs around the globe. Invariably
reflecting recognition to God, Erickson honors his
work as the work of the Lord.
“God with a team could do everything I couldn’t,” Erickson said. “All of that together could bring us to something much closer than what I had envisioned and bless and benefit a whole lot more people.”
Building upon the foundation of ECHO, Erickson
has sought to acknowledge the responsibilities
of his role. Taking on the duties of a faithful
steward, he has leaned on God in investing in
the lives of others. Purposeful in his work, He was
always seeking the potential for more ways to
amplify increased food security and quality of life
opportunities globally. Erickson recognized the
privilege of his position, and was empowered by
the collective effort of the ECHO team.
“Meeting the missional goals of ECHO
equates to profound and life-changing
development in the lives of men and women
around the world and means opportunity for
their children,” Erickson said. “I am so thrilled
about that.”
Erickson credits much of ECHO’s success
to the global community of staff and
volunteer members whose work advances
ECHO’s mission. An introspective introvert
at heart, Erickson’s deep appreciation for
connection ensures he acknowledges the
values and attributes of others. His humility
and authentic, attentive spirit have positively
impacted members of the ECHO community
and beyond.
“There are so many extraordinary gifts that our
staff have and it’s clear to me that the mission
of ECHO requires all of them,” Erickson said.
“They often inspire and remind me that
we all need to be part of a community. The
people on ECHO staff around the world care
for, encourage, and support each other in
remarkable ways.”
Erickson’s presence in his role will be greatly
missed by the ECHO community. Colleagues
that work closely beside him, shared some of
the significance his character has had in their
work environment.
“David is precious,” Executive Assistant,
Kristen Musko said. “I’ve never worked for
anyone quite like him before. His love for
the Lord and others shines through in every
aspect of his life. It’s not often that you meet
someone so gifted, yet so very humble and
kind. I believe this is because he knows
the gift-giver and seeks to give Him all the
glory. He fosters every relationship with an
overarching element of pastoral care. He and
Jenny will be deeply missed.”
“David is one of those significant people that my life has intersected with,” ECHO COO, Tim
Albright said. “If nothing else I can take blessing
in the deep richness of that. He has brought
a unique perspective, experience and many
talents that make him highly qualified for the
work he’s done. His unbelievable giftedness
will be deeply missed, not only by me, but by
ECHO as a whole.”
For Erickson, the future is in God’s hands, and
he is hopeful about what’s to come.
“ECHO was a manifestation of God’s goodness
and grace and an affirmation that he has a
bigger purpose for us,” Erickson said. “God is
the ultimate good steward and he has plans
and purposes for the future of ECHO.”
As ECHO welcomes incoming CEO, Dr. Abram Bicksler, Erickson will work closely by his side for the next few months. Spending this time to walk with Bicksler, Erickson is delighted to give insight and advice as he passes along the role. “My advice to Abram is to bathe everything in prayer and recognize that ECHO is first and foremost God’s work,” Erickson said. “Trusting that truth is profoundly freeing. I would pray for humility and gratitude to recognize the privilege he’s been given.”
Erickson’s leadership will be missed by many
at ECHO. The effects of his work continuously
reverberate and create lasting impacts
globally. ECHO celebrates the 12 years of
service he selflessly gave to the community,
wishing him and Jennifer blessing and comfort
in their future. As ECHO launches this new
chapter, we hold close the wonderful influence
of Erickson in the continuation of fulfilling
our mission. Thank you David, for all of your
profound contributions, and for modeling the
love of Christ in your humble leadership here
at ECHO.