Eric Westphal

Chief Operating Officer, Year Up United

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

As COO, Eric focuses on optimizing Year Up United’s training pathways, ensuring consistent, high-quality program delivery across all markets. His passion for increasing economic mobility through skills-first practices aligns with Year Up United’s mission to empower young adults and create equitable access to opportunity.

Before joining Year Up United, Eric served as the Global Workforce Strategy and Economic Development Leader at Cognizant, where he spearheaded initiatives that equipped thousands of individuals with technology skills and drove impactful workforce planning. He also led the creation of the Cognizant U.S. Foundation, securing $100 million to support technology education and skills initiatives for underserved communities.

Earlier in his career, Eric held key leadership roles, including COO of Global Legal and Corporate Affairs at Cognizant, New York Operations Leader at Deloitte, and VP of Operations at a digital creative agency. He has also served on the Board of Per Scholas and led strategic initiatives to advance workforce diversity and inclusion.

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, with published articles and public speaking engagements highlighting his commitment to advancing skills-based training and economic opportunity.