Clemons — the founding director of the Connecticut Center for Arts & Technology — has devoted his career to empowering marginalized communities across the state of Connecticut and helping others see their own potential and power. He is now that organization’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

Prior to founding ConnCAT, Clemons served as the Connecticut Executive Director of the premier national youth development organization Leadership, Education, and Athletics in Partnership (LEAP), which provides innovative academic and social enrichment programs to youth ranging from the ages of five to 23. He has also served as Director of Vocational Training at the U.S. Department of Labor’s New Haven Job Corps Center.

A lifelong Connecticut resident, Erik volunteers significant time and energy in supporting other organizations doing good work in the local community. He currently serves on numerous boards including: Cornell Scott Hill Health Center, New Haven Housing Authority, New Haven Legal Aid and CT Voices for Children.

A proud father of four daughters who are New Haven Public School graduates, Clemons is co-President of the New Haven Citywide Parent Teacher Organization and a member of the New Haven Public School Education Reform Committee.