Darren Erwin
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Southeast Texas Board of Directors announced Darren Erwin has been named as the incoming president and chief executive officer, effective Jan. 1.
In August, current President/CEO, Liz Fredrichs announced she was retiring from BBB at the end of this year.
Fredrichs and Erwin collaboratively led the BBB team through several natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. During the height of the pandemic, they were able to keep services running as normal while keeping the safety of the staff and public at the forefront. Together they helped the team evolve and adapt into a new hybrid and flexible working environment that continues to maintain productivity. Both Fredrichs and Erwin, alongside the BBB Board of Directors, worked closely to navigate the transition in leadership and plans for moving forward.
“During my tenure as a director of over the past 20 years, the current staff has shown to be one of the very best,” stated Tim Baker, board chair of BBB Southeast Texas and owner of Baker Auto. “Although we hate to see Liz retire, we wish her only the very best in days to come. She has been a voice of trust and inspiration to the BBB and our community. Darren has always served the BBB with great passion and as our new CEO I expect great leadership with his almost 10 years of BBB service.”
Erwin will assume the responsibilities of president/CEO after having served the organization in various roles since 2013. During his nearly 10-year tenure with BBB, he has established tremendous relationships with the staff, Board of Directors, and area businesses.
Erwin brings a vast background in leadership, strategic development, team building, and financial literacy to the BBB. He earned a Bachelor of Science in University Studies from Lamar University and will complete his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Texas this month.
Erwin currently serves on the Spindletop Center Mental Health Advisory Council and as a facilitator for the Junior Leadership Beaumont program. He is a member of the Spindletop Rotary Club, Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization, and Press Club of Southeast Texas. He has served as the chair of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Leadership Beaumont, past board member of the Spindletop Rotary Club, and served as a director for the Silsbee and Lumberton Chambers of Commerce. Erwin is also a graduate of Leadership Beaumont and Leadership Southeast Texas and was recognized as a “40 under 40” honoree in 2016 by the Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization, Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, and the Beaumont Enterprise.
“It’s an exciting time to be part of BBB, as we move into our 60th year of service to the communities of Southeast Texas. BBB continues to be a vital part of our area by promoting Trust in the Market Place,” said Erwin. “I look forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead that will strengthen our relationships and further help us fulfill our mission.”
Since early 2017, Fredrichs has served in the role as president and CEO after previously serving as executive vice president of BBB Wisconsin from 2002-16 before moving to Texas. During her tenure as president/CEO, Fredrichs helped move BBB and their Consumer Education Foundation forward in digital and technological current trends.
She also worked to adapt existing programs and events to run efficiently, maintain relevance and increase overall productivity. Under Fredrich’s direction, the Texas BBB Professional Women’s Conference was launched.
BBB Southeast Texas will celebrate its 60th anniversary next year.