Erin Yingst, MBA she/her/hers
Erin's background includes a variety of local and regional government roles, specifically in the fields of education, public health, and emergency preparedness and response. She has 18 years of experience in federal grants lifecycle administration, primarily in post award management, overseeing CDC bioterrorism and pandemic preparedness grants, and DHS/FEMA homeland security and emergency management program grants. She has also served as a grant writer in the education realm, raising funds that enhanced student learning opportunities and supported professional development initiatives for students and educators. Her company, Aurora Communications, LLC, provides professional consulting services to support the needs of small businesses and non-profits including internal and external communications support, grant writing and administration, strategic planning, and crisis communications.
Erin holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations/Journalism from Western Michigan University, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Central Michigan University. She also earned the designation Professional Emergency Manager from the State of Michigan. She has served on numerous boards and coalitions including the United Way of Southwest Michigan, the Michigan School Public Relations Association, the 5th District Medical Response Coalition (Vice Chair), the 5th District Homeland Security Planning Board (Secretary), and the Michigan Emergency Management Association, where she currently serves as Treasurer.
A mother of two, Erin lives in Southwest Michigan and proudly supports her local library to meet her weekly reading goals. She also enjoys daily yoga, hikes with her dog Sadie, and attending concerts.
My favorite thing about this work is painting a transformative visual story with words that displays the passion and enthusiasm of the programs and events she helps support.
