Erin Cunningham Ritter, Ph.D.
About Erin Cunningham Ritter, Ph.D.
Erin Cunningham Ritter, Ph.D., serves as the Director of Wellness & Employee Engagement at the College of Arts & Sciences, University of Colorado. With extensive experience in employee engagement and wellness programs, she has implemented several initiatives to enhance workplace culture and support staff development.
Current Role at University of Colorado
Erin Cunningham Ritter, Ph.D., serves as the Director of Wellness & Employee Engagement at the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Colorado. She has held this position since 2021, focusing on enhancing employee engagement and wellness initiatives within the college. Her responsibilities include implementing programs that support mental and physical health, as well as developing policies that promote a healthy work environment.
Previous Experience in Employee Engagement
Prior to her current role, Ritter worked extensively in employee engagement and wellness across various organizations. She served as the Director of Employee Engagement in the Office of the Dean at the College of Arts and Sciences from 2018 to 2021. Additionally, she was a Senior Consultant at the Institute for Social and Emotional Intelligence from 2014 to 2019, where she contributed to employee engagement strategies.
Educational Background and Qualifications
Ritter holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master of Arts in Speech Communication, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Learning, Performance & Change, all from Colorado State University. She also obtained an Evidence Based Coaching Certificate from Fielding Graduate University. Her educational background supports her expertise in wellness and employee engagement.
Wellness Initiatives and Programs
Ritter has implemented several wellness initiatives during her career. She developed the 'Be Heard' program, which improved employee engagement across multiple drivers. She also collaborated with the JEDI office to create the 'Be Well' wellness platform, focusing on enhancing employee mental and physical health. Furthermore, she introduced wellness-informed HR policies that include flexible work options and wellness days.
Recognition and Contributions
Ritter received the CU ASCEND Award for her contributions to wellness, staff engagement, and learning programs. She has also created the Knowledge Hub, a resource designed to support onboarding, training, career advancement, and mentoring for employees. Her work has had a significant impact on employee engagement and wellness within the organizations she has served.