Fayetteville Observer's 40 Under 40 Class of 2022: LaRissa Erickson
Name: LaRissa Erickson
Age: 37
Birthplace/where you were raised: Born in Yuma, Arizona, and grew up in San Diego
Where do you live now? Raeford
Employer: The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency under the Department of Defense full time, and the U.S. Army Special Operations Command G2 part-time
Job title: Special agent in charge for the Raleigh Background Investigations Field Office. I manage a team of special agents who specialize in public trust and national security background investigations within the United States government's premier organization for vetting
Who are your immediate family members? My husband, Jesse Erickson; and children, Adela, 8; Jesse, 6; and James, 5
Education: Received bachelor's in sociology from New Mexico State University, commission and associates from New Mexico Military Institute. And in pursuit of master's in business and organizational security management from Webster University and currently enrolled in joint personnel military instruction, intermediate level education (ILE) through command general staff, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
What community and professional groups are you affiliated with? Vice president for the Parent Education Partnership at First Impressions Academy; team mom for Yankees Coach Pitch and Yankees Tee Ball through Hoke County Parks and Recreation; Turnberry Subdivision 4th of July coordinator and social media admin.
Here's the list: Meet the Fayetteville Observer's 40 Under 40 award winners for 2022
What are your guiding principles? As a wife, mother, professional and friend my guiding principles are to be dedicated and dependable in everything I do while being confident, decisive and organized with an optimistic outlook. And in the words of my father, always remember to always treat everyone with dignity and respect, that knowledge is power, and if you do it you shall receive.
How do you volunteer your time in the community? I volunteer my time in the community through coach county parks and rec group, countless hours to the Parent Education Partnership for First Impressions Academy, and as a community leader within my own home subdivision where I take great pride in planning our Fourth of July holiday event annually.
Who has helped you achieve success in your life and career? My father and mother, Jeff and Libby Gonzales. My wonderful siblings, Cecilia, Jeff, and Thomas Gonzales. Senior Chief Gonzalez from Mar Vista High School who was a great mentor from my youth. My AMAZING husband Jesse.
What goal would you like to accomplish before turning 40? Becoming a director within my organization and a lieutenant colonel with the U.S. Army Reserves.
What's your favorite book? "Spy the Lie" by Philip Houston, Michael Floyd and Susan Carnicero
What are your hobbies? Spending time with my family, working out and party planning
What's your most prized possession? My family
If you had a theme song for your life, what would it be? "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" by Starship
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: 40 Under 40: LaRissa Erickson of Department of Defense
