Mr. Oliver has spent the past 20 years as a fundraising and communications professional with several decades of experience in the fields of education and non-profit organizations. Erik Oliver oversees the Advancement departments including Development, Alumni Relations, Marketing, Communications, and Admissions. 

Mr. Oliver transitioned from his previous role as since 2016 as the Director of Development and Communications at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont. Prior to transitioning to the museum world, he was the Director of Major and Annual Giving and Alumni and Parent Relations at Champlain College in Burlington. A graduate of Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL, Mr. Oliver also served as their Leadership Gifts Officer, Director of Annual Giving, and Director of the Northeastern region in several fundraising campaigns targeted at increased alumni gifts and a capital campaign which raised more than $86 million dollars. In his tenure as a professional in the educational and non-profit arenas he has successfully raised more than $100 million dollars. Prior to this, he effectively managed a country club and yacht club in Erie, Pennsylvania, as Executive Chef for nearly a decade, before hanging up his apron for philanthropy. "I'm excited to return to education after a rewarding stint in the museum world”, said Mr. Oliver, “and I look forward to helping the Lyndon Institute build on its strong foundation of success.”

Mr. Oliver and his wife, a writer and Professor of Digital Media and Communications, moved to Vermont 15 years ago to raise their young family. Their two eldest sons are both teachers and their daughter is a rising senior at the University of Pittsburgh.

He received his undergraduate degree in philosophy from Eckerd College and his culinary degree from the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts.