About Erica S. Gilmore

Erica Gilmore has dedicated her career to public service, advocating tirelessly for traditionally marginalized and middle-class communities throughout Nashville and Tennessee. With a strong reputation as a pragmatic and bold legislator, she has served in various key roles within the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, including At-Large Council Member, Speaker Pro Tempore, Minority Caucus President, and District 19 Council Member.

First elected to the Metropolitan Council in 2007, Erica served as the 19th District Councilmember, representing a diverse constituency of 17,000 to 19,000 residents, encompassing the downtown urban core, vibrant neighborhoods, and esteemed universities. In 2008, she was elected as Speaker Pro Tempore, the highest-ranking position within the city council, where she championed progressive solutions to Nashville's most pressing challenges, including health care, affordable housing, and public safety.

In 2020, Erica ran in a special election to fill the seat of the late Trustee Charlie Cardwell, winning overwhelmingly and demonstrating her continued commitment to public service. She was re-elected to the office for a full term in 2022, where she currently holds office, further cementing her role as a key leader in Nashville's governance.

Throughout her tenure, Erica has expertly overseen a monumental $2.5+ billion annual budget, ensuring that resources are allocated to effectively meet the needs of the community. Her leadership extended beyond council chambers as she served on key committees such as Budget and Finance, the Ad Hoc Affordable Housing Committee, and as the past Chair of the Metropolitan Council of Health, Hospitals, and Social Services Committee. Additionally, she has actively participated in various civic organizations, including the Nashville Downtown Partnership and the National League of Cities, serving as Assistant to the President of the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials.

Erica has also made significant contributions to education and youth empowerment. As the founder of the Gilmore Youth Leadership Institute, she has created opportunities for young girls aged 12-18 to engage civically and politically, promoting a new generation of leaders in collaboration with Fisk and Vanderbilt University. Her commitment to uplifting women and children is evident in her frequent speaking engagements and commentary on issues of racial justice, public health, and civic engagement.

A proud native of Nashville, Erica's deep-rooted pride for her community is matched by her family's legacy of public service. She comes from a long line of dedicated public servants, with her mother, Senator Brenda Gilmore, and her father, Harry Gilmore, a retired Juvenile Court Officer, exemplifying the values of commitment and service.

Academically, Erica holds a Master of Arts in English from Tennessee State University and dual Bachelor’s degrees in English from Howard University and Public Administration, with coursework completed abroad at the American University of Beirut. She has continued her professional development by earning several certifications: Certified Public Manager (CPM) from the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service, Certified County Financial Officer from the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury, and Certified Public Administrator from the UT County Technical Assistance Service.

Erica's dedication extends beyond her professional roles, as she actively serves on the Executive Board of America Walks, the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service Advisory Board, the Board for County Officials of Tennessee, and the Government Finance Officers Association Capital Development Subcommittee.

Among her many accolades, Erica has been recognized as a Nashville Business Journal "People to Watch" (2018), received the National League of Cities "Legislator of the Year" award (2015), and was honored as a member of the "40 Under 40" list for Blacks in Nashville (2014).

As she continues her work in public service, Erica Gilmore remains a steadfast advocate for the people of Nashville and Tennessee, embodying a spirit of leadership, dedication, and community pride. She is also a proud parent to Anyah Gilmore-Jones, a Howard University graduate, ensuring that her legacy of commitment to public service and community engagement lives on in the next generation.