As the Director of Research at the Georgia Center for Opportunity (GCO), Erik Randolph oversees research on and analysis of governmental policies intended to help people escape poverty. He guides GCO’s computer modeling and is a nationally recognized expert on benefits cliffs and marriage penalties associated with safety net programs. In addition, he has a deep understanding of labor force issues and the benefits of work. 

Previously, Erik worked on welfare reform as a Special Assistant to Pennsylvania’s Public Welfare Secretary. For 19 years, he was an Analyst for the Committee on Appropriations in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives as well. He also worked as an Economic Development Analyst for technology development programs in the Pennsylvania Department of Commerce and at the New York State Science and Technology Foundation. In addition, Erik has taught economics courses for York College of Pennsylvania and the Harrisburg Area Community College.

Erik has authored and coauthored numerous studies, reports, and articles that give policymakers better options for opening doors to upward mobility (see some of his recent publications below). His study on how various state governments’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic impacted employment won the State Policy Network’s Bob Williams Award for Outstanding Policy Achievement in 2022.

Erik has an interdisciplinary master’s degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he focused on the economics and policy of scientific and technological advancements. He also has two bachelor’s degrees from Pennsylvania State University. 

Erik and his wife have two successful grown sons, and he continues to enjoy activities with them, including hiking, camping, and touring historic sites. He belongs to a gym, takes Tae Bo classes, and enjoys do-it-yourself projects, including electrical wiring. 

Erik’s personal philosophy aligns well with GCO’s mission and work. He wants to help families and individuals reach their full potential, and he sees GCO as an agent of change for improving policies that foster upward mobility.