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Great Recession,” he recalls. “It was 2009 - not the best time
to be looking for work with my credentials as a marketing and
branding guy.”
While searching for work, Ehrlichman discovered that CareerSource
Suncoast was hiring for a Business Services unit. “I had the
business perspective from small to large employers, nonprofits,
and small business owners,” he says. “That was a good fit, as it
allowed me to learn the Suncoast business climate and also the
nature of this peculiar role of ‘workforce board’ from within.”
Today, as CEO of CareerSource Suncoast, Ehrlichman’s job
is challenging to say the least. “Any CEO for a truly Board-led
nonprofit must execute the vision and priorities, which we set
with the Board in our strategic plans,” he explains. “That starts
with setting and modeling a culture within the organization
that embraces change, appropriate risk-taking, and most of all
collaboration within and outside of the team.”
He says changing culture is not an easy or fast process. “We have
to deal with numerous levels of state and federal laws, complex
funding formulae, and tracking and braiding together funding to
make this truly a sustainable regional asset. It keeps us busy!”
Despite the obstacles and challenges, Ehrlichman says his job
is extremely rewarding. “The biggest reward comes from seeing
team members embrace the rapidly changing world, then evolve
and energize to assist clients and employers as they strengthen
this local community for everyone,” he says.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Ehrlichman says much of his
inspiration comes from his late parents, who were “greatest
generation examples at their best.”
“Work ethic and ‘continuous improvement’ may have been
called something different back then,” he says. “But my parents’
commitment to ensure I would be the first to get a college degree
was and is inspiring.”
After Ehrlichman’s father worked 20 years in a local steel mill,
his job came to end. “He was washed up at age 38,” he recalls.
“That was my first understanding that a job is not a career.”