Erin Chidsey, President

Erin partners with nonprofits on board development, executive coaching and creation of strategic development plans. The company specializes in board retreat and facilitation services, training in fundraising, and working with staff and volunteer leadership on strategies to secure corporate and individual investors for your cause.

Prior to founding Southland Strategies, Erin served as the Executive Director of March of Dimes Los Angeles County Division, overseeing the counties of Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara. Under her leadership, the Los Angeles Division hosted one of the largest revenue generating fundraising walkathons among all competing nonprofits in Los Angeles, March for Babies. She was also responsible for the largest grossing March of Dimes special event in the country, Celebration of Babies, A Hollywood Luncheon. During her tenure, Erin worked in partnership with the Chair of the Board of Directors to quadruple board membership and recruit high-impact, executive community leaders who are to this day engaged and committed to the organization.

Erin also held various executive roles at the American Heart Association, Los Angeles County Division, most recently as Vice President of Philanthropy. At the American Heart Association, she consistently grew local fundraising events year over year; developed, implemented and secured significant sponsorship dollars for national and local cause marketing campaigns; launched an annual giving campaign; and managed and developed a team of fundraising staff. The National office of the American Heart Association honored her with its prestigious Rome Betts Award for her continued excellence in fundraising.

Erin has a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas in Austin. She lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband and two sons.