Eric Westphal

Chief Operating Officer, Year Up United

Eric Westphal is the Chief Operating Officer at Year Up United, a leading workforce development organization. Appointed in November 2024, he brings more than 20 years of leadership experience spanning workforce strategy, operations, and economic development.

As COO, Eric oversees Year Up United’s training pathways and operational infrastructure, with a focus on delivering consistent, high‑quality programs across more than 20 markets. His work centers on skills‑first approaches that strengthen career readiness and expand access to long‑term economic opportunity for young adults.

Before joining Year Up United, Eric served as Global Workforce Strategy and Economic Development Leader at Cognizant, where he led initiatives that equipped thousands of individuals with in‑demand technology skills and supported large‑scale workforce planning efforts. He also founded the Cognizant U.S. Foundation, securing $100 million to support technology education and skills‑building initiatives in communities across the country.

Earlier in his career, Eric held senior leadership roles including COO of Global Legal and Corporate Affairs at Cognizant, New York Operations Leader at Deloitte, and Vice President of Operations at a digital creative agency. He has also served on the board of Per Scholas and led initiatives focused on strengthening talent pipelines and workforce participation.

Eric holds a B.S. in Business from Providence College and an MBA in International Business from Fordham University, where he was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society.

Based in New York City, Eric is a recognized thought leader in workforce development and a frequent speaker and author on skills‑based training and economic mobility.