Synergy Spotlight: Meet Erick Toledo, New Hampshire State Manager
Meet Erick Toledo, our dedicated New Hampshire State Manager, who has been part of RCAP Solutions for over eight years. Erick plays a vital role in supporting rural communities with essential water and wastewater services, ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive.
Erick began his career in Guatemala, working at his uncle’s private school before moving into conservation roles with organizations like Conservation International and the International Center in Washington, D.C. His passion for biodiversity and land conservation eventually led him to water and wastewater projects through programs in Honduras and El Salvador. He holds a master’s degree in Conservation Biology from the University of Maryland, which has been instrumental in shaping his approach to environmental and community work.
After years of international work, Erick transitioned to domestic water programs when he joined Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) in Colorado as a Technical Assistance Provider. This experience gave him a deep understanding of the challenges rural communities face, eventually bringing him to RCAP Solutions in 2017.
Erick has worked on projects across Colorado, New Mexico, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, and New Hampshire, including Source Water Protection and Asset Management initiatives.
For Erick, the most rewarding part of his work is seeing the transformation in communities. “When you visit a community that is struggling to stay in compliance or provide basic services, and you help them rebuild infrastructure and operate sustainably, you’re helping transform that community,” he says. Erick describes RCAP Solutions’ culture in one word: supportive – a reflection of the collaborative spirit he values among his colleagues.
His experience working internationally and domestically has given him insight into the universal challenges communities face in providing essential services. Erick’s advice to anyone considering a career at RCAP Solutions? “If you have a community support bug – or enjoy helping others help themselves – go ahead and work for us.”
Erick’s contributions were noted by Laurie Stevens, Regional Director (ME/VT/NH), who said, “Erick is an integral member of the RCAP Solutions team, consistently offering valuable insights and perspectives. His extensive experience and knowledge are highly sought after by communities and regulatory agencies.”
Mark Johnson, Director of Community & Environmental Resources, added, “Erick completes technical assistance projects with an efficiency that speaks to his decades of experience improving access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation services. He works closely with rural communities and funding agencies to put communities in the best possible position to receive infrastructure funding, evidenced by the tens of millions of dollars he has leveraged over the years. Erick’s background with international WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) aid efforts gives him a unique perspective on the work we do.”
Looking ahead, Erick’s goals include strengthening relationships with congressional offices, primacy agencies, and funding institutions, while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. His dedication to bringing resources to underserved communities underscores the importance of RCAP Solutions’ mission.
Fun Facts About Erick:
- Favorite Books: Biographies, historical fiction, philosophy, and self-help books
- Favorite TV Shows: The Morning Show, Slow Horses, and reality TV like Survivor
- Favorite Sports: Ice Hockey (Boston Bruins), Tennis (Alex DeMuir), and European Soccer
- Hobbies: Yoga, pickleball with his wife and kids, and walking his senior dog, Kiki
- Pets: Kiki (dog), Noodles (cat), and Cookie-Baxter (bunny)
- Hidden Talent: Rollerblading and ice skating
- Historical Figure He’d Like to Meet: Socrates
- Places He’d Like to Travel to: South America and South Africa