Erin Sawyer, Chief People Development Officer, JA Worldwide

Erin is Chief People Development Officer at JA Worldwide, where she leads global strategies to develop talent, strengthen leadership, and foster lifelong engagement across the organization’s network of more than 100 countries. With more than 20 years of experience, she has played a central role in preparing young people for employment and entrepreneurship while building the systems that support those who deliver JA’s impact. 

In her current position, Erin oversees JA Worldwide’s global people-development and engagement initiatives, including the JA Worldwide Fellows Program, JA LEAD (Leadership Exchange and Development), JA GO (Global Orientation), and the organization’s global board orientation. She also leads JA’s global alumni strategy—helping alumni reengage, share their stories, and continue their learning journeys—and is responsible for mentoring and supporting team members across the network to drive growth and effectiveness. 

Erin is a driving force behind JA’s global events strategy. She leads the biennial JA Global Leadership Conference, which convenes senior leaders from around the world for professional development and alignment, and has shaped key alumni and youth engagement experiences, including the Global Alumni Conference and JA Global Youth Forum, first introduced during JA’s Centennial celebration. 

She holds a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in international studies from the University of Washington, along with postgraduate certificates from Penn State University and the Center for Creative Leadership. 

Erin lives and works in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA, with her two children and black Labrador.