As Chief Program Officer and General Counsel at the Georgia Center for Opportunity (GCO), Eric Cochling leads the organization’s community programs and public policy strategy while providing legal guidance across all areas of GCO’s work. 

Eric’s expertise spans nonprofit leadership, public policy development, and legal strategy. He has worked extensively on a variety of public policy reforms in Georgia and on community-based programs. He has been interviewed by news outlets across the state on a wide range of policy issues, and his opinion pieces have appeared in publications throughout Georgia and beyond.

Before joining GCO, Eric was in private legal practice, focusing on business formation, real estate transactions, contract negotiations, estate planning, and civil disputes. 

Earlier in his career, Eric served at a Washington, D.C., think tank and worked as a legislative aide to a former minority leader in the Georgia House of Representatives. 

Eric earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Georgia, graduating magna cum laude. He holds both a J.D. and a master’s degree in public administration from Georgia State University and is a licensed attorney in Georgia.

Outside of work, Eric is active in his church, serving in leadership and teaching roles. He enjoys adventure racing, travel, reading, and spending time with his family. A proud native Georgian, Eric lives in Lawrenceville with his wife, Laura, and their three children.

Eric is driven by GCO’s mission to remove barriers to opportunity and help families across Georgia thrive.