Erika Cedergren

La Crosse

Summary

Results-driven K–12 EdTech growth leader with expertise in scaling district partnerships and managing complex multi-stakeholder sales cycles. Experience in driving adoption of SEL and college and career readiness solutions across multiple states. Strong focus on aligning district priorities with measurable outcomes through consultative engagement.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Partnerships / Sales Team Lead

EmpowerU

12.2020 - 03.2026

Generated $3M+ in revenue by securing 60+ district and school partnerships and fostering relationships for expansion.
Led full-cycle sales strategy, converting pilots into multi-year, district-wide agreements through executive alignment and data-driven storytelling.
Pioneered organizational growth as first full-time hire, scaling from Minnesota startup to serving districts across 12 states.
Directed cross-functional implementation, ensuring program fidelity and consistent messaging to enhance renewal performance.
Developed district engagement playbooks aligning SEL and MTSS priorities to measurable student well-being and behavior outcomes.
Represented EmpowerU at regional and national conferences, leading learning sessions and thought-partner presentations.
Facilitated acquisition process by collaborating with stakeholders and aligning strategic goals.

Regional Vice President of Business Development, East

Kuder

01.2019 - 12.2020

Identified and developed large-scale partnership opportunities with K-12 school districts, regional and state education consortiums, and workforce development agencies across the eastern United States.
Led strategic prospecting through legislative research and market intelligence, enhancing RFP response effectiveness.
Represented organization nationally as conference presenter and industry expert.
Remote

Senior Account Manager

Hobsons, Inc.

03.2010 - 01.2019

Drove revenue strategy, consistently meeting and exceeding a $1.7M annual quota.
Consistently recognized as a Top 3 revenue leader on a 15+ member sales team.
Directed a portfolio of nearly 70 higher education institutions across a 6-state Midwest region, providing strategic guidance to admissions leaders.
Guided senior enrollment leaders in developing long-term recruitment strategy and aligning marketing initiatives with institutional growth goals.
Coordinated cross-functional efforts between clients and internal marketing, analytics, and operations teams to ensure seamless execution and delivery of results.
Achieved promotion within first year for strong performance and leadership in establishing institutional partnerships across 8-state Northeast territory.
Represented the organization at regional conferences as a thought partner on market trends, enrollment strategy, and best practices.

Account Executive

Phoenix Formations

08.2004 - 03.2010

Oversaw a client portfolio generating $4M+ in annual revenue, driving account retention, expansion, and long-term partnership growth.
Identified, developed, and launched a new retail partnership that increased total company revenue by 10% in its first quarter.
Executed cross-functional collaboration among creative, production, logistics, and operations teams to deliver integrated brand marketing solutions.
Oversaw creative direction and pre-production approvals, ensuring brand consistency and maintaining high-quality execution.
Directed trade show strategy and on-site execution, achieving seamless brand presence and enhancing client satisfaction.

Education

BBA - Marketing, Psychology

Washington University in St. Louis, Olin School of Business

St. Louis, MO

Skills

Partnership development
Sales strategy
Sales forecasting
Pipeline management
Market intelligence
District engagement

Cross-functional collaboration
Data storytelling
Relationship management
Public speaking

Timeline