Regional Chief Executive, American Red Cross Central Appalachia Region
Photo by Tracy A. Toler Photography.
By Olivia Miller
Helping fellow West Virginians in their time of greatest need and giving back to the state that raised her is what drives Erica Mani to do the work she does day in and day out.
As the regional chief executive of the American Red Cross Central Appalachia Region, in the event of an emergency, Mani is the orchestrator of a highly complex army of frontline workers and volunteers who respond to events ranging from individual disasters such as house fires to large-scale natural disasters such as the deadly flash floods that occurred across West Virginia in 2016.
By overseeing the robust delivery of all five lines of service provided by the Red Cross, including disaster cycle services, service to the armed forces, biomedical services and training and international services, Mani ensures the reach of the Red Cross is felt throughout every corner of the state and beyond.
“I was born, raised and educated in West Virginia and am happily raising my family here,” she says. “Giving back in a direct and meaningful way to the place and people that have given so much to me brings me joy and satisfaction in my work.”
A native of Weirton, WV, Mani graduated from the West Virginia University (WVU) College of Law in 2001 after receiving her bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1998. As an undergraduate student, she spoke with law students about her interest in the field, and as a result volunteered to be a witness in mock trials, which solidified her interest in pursuing a career in law.
“Being involved in student government at WVU laid the foundation for lifelong friendships with people who are in local, state and federal government and other leadership roles today,” she says. “These are still people I turn to for collaboration and support.”
Her first job following the completion of her Juris Doctor was a summer clerkship at the Kanawha County Prosecutor’s Office. She recalls this experience as the first place she saw the legal and judicial system impacting people’s lives on a daily basis, not limited to just an individual person, but also impacting the families, friends and neighbors of those involved.
As a gifted upcoming lawyer, Mani was selected as an international Pegasus Scholar in 2005. She was one of only two young lawyers in the U.S. chosen by the American Inns of Court Foundation to travel to the Inns of Court in London, England, to study the system upon which the American legal system was based.
“This opportunity was through my membership with the American Inns of Court, which promotes and fosters excellence in professionalism, ethics, civility and legal skills,” she says. “It was quite an honor to not only be invited to be a member of this organization but also serving as president in our local inn, the Judge John A. Field Jr. Inn of Court. Receiving the Pegasus Scholarship to work abroad with barristers, judges and law lords provided me with a unique perspective and education regarding justice and civility here and abroad.”
As a young lawyer in Charleston, WV, Mani was given the opportunity to engage immediately in meaningful litigation activities, taking depositions and participating in hearings within months of obtaining her law license.
“Because Charleston is the capital, it gives you access to leaders from across the state and opportunities to contribute to issues and efforts that are far-reaching,” she says. “Charleston is wonderful because it is small enough to have strong relationships and a great network, while large enough that you can still be excited to meet new people.”
Mani’s legal career took her to the highest ranks of the state government, most recently as deputy chief of staff to Governor Earl Ray Tomblin. Additionally, she served as general counsel and deputy cabinet secretary of the West Virginia Department of Revenue, a position she was appointed to by Governor Joe Manchin, and as deputy general counsel and general counsel to Governor Bob Wise. She credits these opportunities to connections made during her time spent as a member of the WVU Student Government Association.
“Working for three governors provided unbelievable experience and exposure to issues, which also led to an amazing nonprofit leadership career that combines my skills and experience in a different way to lead the work of the Red Cross and support my community,” she says.
Mani keeps her West Virginia law license current, although she is not in the traditional practice of law. She is grateful that her legal work led her to a life of service, which she demonstrates both in an out of the office. She currently serves on the board of directors of Charleston Rotary and The Education Alliance, as the commissioner of Volunteer West Virginia and on the women in the profession committee for the West Virginia State Bar.
“I discovered my interest in the work of the American Red Cross while working as deputy chief of staff for Governor Tomblin and managing the state’s response to a large natural disaster,” she says. “The pivotal role the Red Cross had in leading mass care efforts as a non-government entity is what initially captivated me and soon thereafter, I sought to join its board and ended up taking the role of regional chief executive officer.”
Mani says there is never a dull moment while working for the Red Cross. She is responsible for mission delivery, community engagement, volunteer recruitment, fundraising to support various missions, internal operations, building and engaging a regional board of directors and managing a leadership team for the lines of business and internal support functions.
“I feel lucky to do work that contributes directly to creating resiliency in our communities,” she says. “We are helping people in what may be their darkest hour, such as immediately after losing everything in a home fire or flood. We are stocking hospital shelves for those who need life-saving blood, ensuring that CPR and first aid trained individuals are available when someone is choking at a restaurant or injured at an event and getting a service member home from a deployment to be at their family’s side in an emergency.”
Mani currently lives in Charleston, WV, with her husband, Jon, and two children. She considers her greatest success to be applying her talents and skills to a life of service in West Virginia and raising two caring, community-minded children.
“West Virginia is home to both me and my husband, and with so many of our family and friends here, it was a natural choice to build our life here after graduating from WVU,” she says. “I have enjoyed the opportunities working in West Virginia afforded me. Giving back in our communities is what drives me to do the work I do.”
