Erin Drinkwater

Erin Drinkwater is the Chief Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships Officer at MetroPlusHealth. In her role, Erin develops relationships with local and state elected officials and other external stakeholders to advance the company’s mission and goals of providing public health insurance to New York City’s underserved communities through local, state, and federal legislation.

With over two decades in government and nonprofits, Erin dedicates her career to public service as a strategist, activist, advocate, and change-maker. Erin served as the Deputy Commissioner for Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs for the New York City Human Resources Administration and Department of Homeless Services.

Previously, Erin served as the Executive Director of the Brooklyn Community Pride Center, securing its permanent home at the Bedford-Union Armory. She was a member of the Governor’s End the Epidemic Task Force, No Condoms As Evidence Coalition, and Communities United for Police Reform. Erin dedicates her time to her community as a member of Brooklyn Community Board 1, the Board of Managers of Fairview Lake YMCA Camps, and a deacon at her church, Greenpoint Reformed Church.

Drinkwater has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology: Social and Political Policy and a master’s Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies from Duquesne University. Additionally, she holds a Master of Science in Urban Policy Analysis and Management from Milano School of International Affairs, Management, and Urban Policy at the New School.