Erik S. Farley, 2003
B.A., Denison University
M.A., Eastern Michigan University
Chief People, Equity and Inclusion Officer
YMCA of Central Ohio
Pickerington, Ohio
Erik Farley has built his career by creating connections across teams, among students, and around campuses. In his current role as Chief People, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for the YMCA of Central Ohio, Erik is transforming human resources, risk management, DEI, and anti-racism at multiple levels within the organization. He is also an instructor at The Ohio State University, teaching courses on African American history and the Black urban experience.
Prior to his work at the YMCA, Erik held several student development positions at Denison, including Dean of Student Leadership and Community Engagement, Associate Dean of Students, Director of the Center for Cross-Cultural Engagement, Assistant Dean of Students, and Director of Multicultural Student Affairs. He led students, staff, and faculty in efforts to imagine, build, and sustain a strong, healthy, and dynamic community on The Hill.
As an undergraduate, Erik served as president of the Black Student Union, president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and held memberships in the Black Greek Council and the Denison Campus Governance Association. He graduated from Denison in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in history and earned an M.A. from Eastern Michigan University in 2006.
Throughout his time as a Denison alum and administrator, Erik has exemplified a commitment to service by volunteering for Reunion, regularly giving to the Annual Fund and the Black Caucus fund, serving as a guest speaker, and acting as an admission ambassador to generate interest among prospective Denison students. Erik also created a BIPOC College Student Internship with the Knowlton Center in 2021 — to date, five students have participated or are participating in the program. Additionally, he donates his time as Chairman of the Friends of WOSU Board and the Vice Chair of the Charitable Advisory Council for the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
Erik lives in Pickerington with his wife, Michelle, and his son, Malcolm. He enjoys running, gardening, and a nice cigar, and says he is “truly humbled” to be recognized with an Alumni Citation.
