ABOUT
BLACK KEYS LEADERSHIP
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
SHIPCOM.AI
Chief Of Staff and Senior Director of Business Development
SPECTECH
Partner And Chief Commercial Officer
ENTREPRENEUR, LEADER, VISIONARY, MENTOR, IMPACT BUILDER, MOM
Erika’s expertise spans sales, business development, sales coaching, and strategic leadership in the transportation and AI sectors. She has built high-performing teams and delivered measurable impact in the global business community at large.
Blending strategy with creativity, Erika inspires teams, transforms businesses, and champions the often-overlooked essentials of leadership: empathy, trust, and authenticity.
With 23+ years of experience driving growth across corporate America and AI technology, she helps organizations re-define success on their own terms.
CAREER
Shipcom.AI
Named Chief of Staff and Senior Director of Government & Commercial Business Development
Supports innovative AI-driven supply chain solutions across the aerospace, healthcare, and government sectors
SpecTech
As Partner & Chief Commercial Officer, leads go-to-market strategy, brand positioning, and customer engagement, while building partnerships that accelerate adoption and revenue
Oversees sales execution, marketing innovation, and client success, aligning SpecTech’s solutions with customer needs across the real estate, healthcare, transportation, technology and commercial sectors
Imperative Logistics
Promoted to SVP & Head of Sales, integrating and leading a strategic, solution-selling global freight forwarding sales organization
Forward Air Corporation
Appointed National VP of Sales as part of a new national product launch, establishing a brand new sales organization from the ground-up
FedEx Corporation
(Phoenix → Houston → DFW → Memphis → NYC → Global)
Started in entry-level inside sales, quickly advancing into leadership roles in sales and sales management.
By 2015, managed a $1B global private equity contract, driving complex sales initiatives with top international firms.
In 2018, led revenue growth, risk mitigation, and global strategy for a major aerospace client.
Spearheaded corporate initiatives in succession planning and higher education partnerships.
Served as core-team lead for FedEx Women in Leadership and guided the Houston Community Engagement Council, expanding volunteer opportunities.
• Member, Houston AI, 2025 – current
• Board President, Nacogdoches High School Athletic Booster Club, 2023-24
• Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce, 2013-20
• Capital Needs Advisory Council member and #NacNOW political action committee leader, City of Nacogdoches, 2023
• Board of Director and Thought Leaders Institute alumni, Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce, 2014-23
• Former Board President, SFA Alumni Association, 2011-24
• SFA President’s Executive Advisory cabinet member, 2022-24
• Adjunct Professor, Nelson Rusche College of Business, SFA, 2022-23
• Advisory Board Council member, SFA Rusche College of Business, 2014 – current
• Board of Trustees’ Director, The Council on Recovery, 2015-21
• Board Vice President, Klein Eagles Football Club, 2019-20
• Board of Director and Global Mentoring Director, Lean-In Energy, 2017-19
• Board advisor, Stay Curvy Nation, 2015-19
• Independent advisor, Liberty Education Foundation, 2015-18
• Middle school volleyball coach, Abiding Word Lutheran School, 2011-19
• Member, Al-Anon and Nar-Anon family recovery groups, 2012 – current
BOARDS & INVOLVEMENT
Dr. Neal Weaver,
Stephen F. Austin State University President
EDUCATION
A proud alumna of Stephen F. Austin State University, Erika excelled both on and off the court as a member of the Ladyjack volleyball program and student leader in multiple organizations.
She earned her BBA in Marketing in 2002, laying the foundation for a career defined by strategy, leadership, and excellence.
University of Phoenix
MBA, Global Business, 2005
Certifications & Honors
LinkedIn Certification - Scaling Generative AI: Building a Strategy for Adoption & Expansion, 2025
LinkedIn Certification - Agentic AI Governance, 2025
LinkedIn Certification - ChatGPT Prompts for Small Business, 2025
ASQ Certification – Quality Driven Management, 2017
Honors Graduate – Liberty High School, 1998
ACCOLADES
Erika has earned widespread recognition for her leadership, impact, and dedication.
University & Alumni Recognition
Distinguished Alumnus Award – Liberty ISD, 2024
Beyond the Axe Community Leader Award – Stephen F. Austin State University Athletics, 2023
Beta Gamma Sigma Honorary Inductee & Guest Speaker – Nelson Rusche College of Business, 2022
Professional Leadership
Global Leader of Influence – World Affairs Council of Greater Houston, 2020
Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce:
President’s Award, 2018
Role Model of the Year, 2014 and 2017
FedEx Achievements
President’s Club, 2020
Five Star Award, 2008 and 2020
Purple Promise Quality Award, 2019
Humanitarian Award, 2018
Additional Honors
Recognized throughout her career for leadership, innovation, and community impact.
MENTORSHIP &
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Board & Mentorship Roles
Erika is deeply committed to giving back, actively supporting both the Nacogdoches and greater Houston communities. She has served on boards including:
Council on Recovery
SFA Alumni Association
The Sawmill Collective
She also mentors student athletes and young professionals, helping guide the next generation of leaders.
Media & Advocacy
Erika contributes as an ESPN Color Analyst for Ladyjack Volleyball, sharing her expertise and passion for the sport.
Civic Leadership & Youth Initiatives
From civic leadership with the Capital Needs Advisory Council and local initiatives like #NacNOW, to supporting youth athletics and collegiate athletes through mentorship and NIL programs, her work reflects a dedication to empowering individuals and strengthening communities worldwide.
