Lea Eriksen, the driving force behind digital innovation and equity, serves as the Membership Chair for Innovate@UCLA, leading collaboration and fostering a dynamic platform for innovation.
With a 25-year track record in local government spanning budgeting, finance, technology, and project management, Lea brings a profound passion for utilizing emerging technology to overcome civic challenges. Lea’s public service journey brought her to the City of Long Beach, where she currently serves as CIO, managing a substantial staff and a $70 million budget for advancing technology modernization and cybersecurity.
Her leadership, recognized by Long Beach as a Top 10 Digital City for 12 consecutive years, extends to her roles as Treasurer for the Southern California Society of Information Management and Chair of the Membership Committee for Innovate@UCLA.
Beyond her professional roles, Lea has served on non-profit boards, contributing to organizations such as the Center for Addiction Treatment and Twinless Twins Support Group International. Her academic journey includes graduating cum laude from Miami University and earning an MBA from Xavier University, garnering accolades like the Government Technology Top 25 Doers, Dreamers, and Drivers.
Lea’s commitment to innovation transcends her professional life. As the Chair of the Membership Committee for Innovate@UCLA, she is pivotal in connecting the Southern California tech community with industry thought leaders and academia. Her mandate involves attracting and retaining memberships dedicated to driving tech innovation across multiple domains.
“I recognized the significance of fostering strong networks and want to do my part to bring together the Southern California tech community, academia, and thought leaders, creating a dynamic platform for innovation. With my focus on using data and emerging technology to solve civic solutions, Innovate@UCLA commitment to innovation and collaboration perfectly aligns with my professional goals.”
In Lea’s perspective, Innovate@UCLA stands out by bridging academia, industry, and research. It’s not just an organization; it’s a dynamic platform where top-tier educators, visionary industry professionals, and aspiring students converge, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge exchange, and meaningful connections.
Lea Eriksen’s journey is marked by innovation, leadership, and a commitment to creating a tech ecosystem that drives progress and positive change. As a leader in the City of Long Beach and a key figure in Innovate@UCLA, she continues to shape the future of technology in Southern California.