Eric Poulson is the Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Opportunity Commission of Nassau County, Inc. He has direct oversight over the EOC agency programs, operations, and fiscal responsibility, including the Head Start Child Development Program.

Mr. Poulson began his tenure with the Economic Opportunity Commission (EOC) of Nassau County, Inc., thirty years ago and has progressed steadily through the organization. Beginning as a part-time EOC Youth Worker, his dedication to community advocacy and service across Nassau County was quickly recognized by agency leadership.

Eric Poulson worked as an Outreach Worker, CSBG-Community Organizer, Community Organizer Supervisor, Youth Coordinator, and Community Action Program Supervisor (Freeport/Roosevelt CAP).  Eric Poulson then became the Director of the EOC Community Action Program Services, overseeing the EOC’s five (5) Community Action Programs located in Freeport/Roosevelt, Hempstead, Rockville Centre/Lakeview, Glen Cove, and Port Washington.  Eric Poulson served as the EOC Agency Community Liaison, strengthening community relationships through advocacy and strategic networking. He continues to serve on various local and regional committees throughout Nassau County and New York State.

The EOC of Nassau County remains committed to empowering the community toward self-reliance by serving individuals and families across generations through a comprehensive range of wrap-around services that address diverse needs and foster long-term stability. The comprehensive continuum of wrap-around services includes the Head Start Child Development Program, Summer Youth Program, Youth Soccer, Learning Enrichment Afterschool Program Supports (LEAPS), and the Youth Empowerment Career Training Initiative (YECTI). Additional services include the Health Equity Alliance of Long Island (HEALI), which connects community-based organizations and partners to advance equitable health and life outcomes; large-scale wellness initiatives; re-entry services; Rapid Re-Housing; immigration services; and senior programs. Through YECTI, EOC also sponsors an annual college tour for Youth Council participants, exposing students to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other prominent academic institutions while providing mentorship and preparation for post-secondary success.

Mr. Poulson works closely with the EOC Board of Directors to ensure the agency’s long-term sustainability through sound, ethical, and legally compliant governance and financial management practices, while securing the resources necessary to advance EOC’s mission. He oversees agency funding and manages financial resources exceeding $17 million to support high-quality programs and services for the community. Driven by a deep passion for youth development, Mr. Poulson has successfully secured funding and led recruitment efforts for scholarship opportunities, with recipients selected by the EOC Martin Luther King (MLK) and John L. Kearse (JLK) Scholarship Committees. A dedicated advocate for young people, Mr. Poulson serves as an inspirational role model, particularly for young Black males.

Mr. Poulson achieved academic excellence, graduating from the University of Charleston in Charleston, West Virginia, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Additionally, Mr. Poulson has received certifications in the following:

• Executive Development Institute (Vision, Values, and Personal Leadership) from Hampton University

• Family Development Credential from Cornell University
• AIDS Ambassador for Nassau County, New York
• Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies Inc. – Proposal Writing
• Certification as an Emerging Leader from the New York State Community Action Association (NYSCAA) Emerging Leaders’ Institute (ELI)
• Certificate from the Board of Immigration Appeals (New York Immigration Coalition -40 hours of Immigration Law Training)
• Achieved Certification as a Nationally Certified Results-Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) Trainer

Eric Poulson is a principled and effective leader whose humility is matched by strength, passion, and dedication. His professionalism, integrity, and well-developed leadership skills continue to foster new opportunities and sustain success. Eric Poulson has been honored with several awards for his dedicated service and significant contributions to the Nassau County community.

Under the leadership of Mr. Poulson, the EOC continues to advance its mission through responsive and impactful services in Nassau County. The EOC is dedicated to empowering individuals, transforming lives, and remaining innovative in meeting the needs of families.