Betsy Erickson

Betsy Erickson leads Arabella’s work with family and individual clients, supporting them to further their learning, collaboration, and philanthropic goals. During her 14 years at Arabella, Betsy has helped dozens of clients design and launch strategies and run grantmaking programs on issues ranging from conservation to experiential education. Betsy draws on her study and practical experience in systems and family dynamics to facilitate groups to make decisions and work together effectively. Applying her expertise in enabling learning and collaboration, Betsy has significant experience working with multi-generational families.

Prior to joining Arabella, Betsy worked for eight years in the nonprofit sector with groups focused on cancer research. She provided independent consulting services to national and regional nonprofit organizations such as CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. She helped these organizations develop corporate partnerships, garner support from family foundations and major donors, and establish and grow their workplace giving campaigns.

Betsy has a BA from Colgate University, where she graduated with honors in two programs: philosophy and religion, and art and art history. Betsy also completed a certificate program in human behavior and public policy at Harvard Kennedy School and a three-year postgraduate program at the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family at Georgetown Family Center. Betsy is the faculty chair for the Social Impact and Philanthropy domain at the UHNW Institute and is a leader in the Institute’s DEI work. Betsy is also a member of the Purposeful Planning Institute, co-leading its family dynamics working group. Betsy resides in Alexandria, Virginia with her spouse and two daughters.