Eric V. Blackwell

Eric Blackwell is a highly accomplished leader in the field of government and legislative affairs. As the Director of Government & Political Affairs for NRG, Eric is responsible for advancing the company’s position and agenda at local and state levels in Texas expanding opportunities and minimizing risk for the business. He also manages NRG’s Political Action Committee (PAC). Under Eric’s leadership, NRG PAC has grown by 84% in membership and increased employee financial contributions by 189%.

Prior to joining NRG, Eric managed special events for Texas Children’s Hospital where he led the incredibly successful Legacy of Motown Gala. The event remains the highest-grossing fundraising gala in Texas history, raising $85 million for Texas Children’s Hospital in 2018. He was also responsible for raising over $2.3 million annually, a goal that he reached, and often exceeded every year.

Eric spent more than four years at Emory University as the Senior Associate Director of Development where he designed and implemented strategies for cultivation and stewardship of donors. During his time there, Eric also managed the peer-to-peer fundraising program for the law school. He swiftly transformed the program and raised $250,000 — the highest amount in Emory University history.

At the start of his career, Eric spent more than a decade working in government and politics, including at the highest levels of presidential politics.

A native of Arkansas, Eric is a member of the Alumni Board of Arkansas State University, National Board of Directors for the LGBTQ Victory Fund and the Studio Arts Center Executive Board of Directors – a local nonprofit in his hometown in Arkansas that provides multidisciplinary arts education to youth. In addition, Eric is a graduate of Leadership Houston Class XLI. In August 2023, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner appointed Eric to the Houston Arts Alliance Board of Directors for a 3-year term.