Erin McDermott

Q: What's your favorite season and why?
A: Fall is my favorite season. I enjoy the scenery and it is college football season! I'm a big fan--especially Penn State football!

Q: If you could be an Olympic athlete, what sport would you compete in?
A: I would want to compete in the Olympics as part of the synchronized swimming team. I actually competed in synchronized swimming for eight years, while I was growing up. When I started college at Penn State University, not only did I initially join the team as one of its swimmers, but I also switched roles and supported the group by becoming one of its coaches.

Q: If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?
A: My superpower would be to affect people's mood in a positive way. I love to laugh and want to be able to make others laugh.

Q: What is your favorite holiday and why?  
A: Saint Patrick's Day! My family has always celebrated our Irish heritage. That day, we enjoy eating good corned beef and cabbage, telling stories, laughing at our antics, and singing our favorite Irish songs.

Q: Who would you want to talk with at your dinner table?
A: I would want to invite Robin Williams to dinner. I think it would have been really cool to spend time with him. He was so funny! 

Director of Workforce Solutions since 2020

As Director of Workforce Solutions, Erin McDermott is responsible for executing a workforce development strategy to help members address their workforce challenges, establishing and managing strategic partnerships with educational institutions, and representing LeadingAge PA and its members at internship and career fairs to promote careers in aging services.

McDermott graduated from Penn State's Schreyer Honors College with dual bachelor degrees in human development and family studies and health policy and administration. Realizing early on that she wanted a career working with, and for, older adults, she also obtained a minor in gerontology. Her previous experience in senior services includes social work and sales and marketing.