Eric Woods was most recently the chief operating officer at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. He was responsible for optimizing operational strategy to foster comprehensive performance growth across the institution, ensuring that the Museum leverages its assets and meets revenue targets​. Eric’s portfolio included all operational aspects of the MFA including business development, government and legal affairs, visitor and security functions, retail and food services, human resources, information technology, and facilities management.

Prior to joining the MFA, Eric served as the associate dean for administration and finance at Northeastern University, Khoury College of Computer Science, overseeing all financial, operational, and grant administration aspects for the college.

Eric is the founder of Paladin Ventures, LLC, an advisory firm dedicated to identifying and assisting entrepreneurs and emerging businesses in need of strategic planning, business development, operational expertise, marketing and brand management, and investment capital across a variety of disciplines. Select highlights include:

• He helped steward NuAmerica Agency, a multi-cultural marketing and advertising firm, to five-fold growth in the business. 
• As founding COO of UPTOWN Magazine, the first upscale lifestyle magazine directed towards African-Americans, Eric was instrumental in the development of the business into a nationally distributed publication and securing investment capital.
• Always looking for ‘what’s next’, Eric co-founded Harlem Vintage and Nectar Wine Bar, Harlem’s first upscale retail wine shop and wind bar. He was also co-founder of Bitty Foods, America’s first protein enriched baked goods company powered by insect protein.  

Eric began his career in financial services, first at JP Morgan and then at Goldman Sachs.  

Eric is a graduate of Georgetown University and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business. Eric is a 2025 John Carroll Awardee. He currently serves on Georgetown University’s Board of Regents, is a co-founder & chair of the Georgetown University Black Alumni Council, and is a founding board member of Georgetown Angel Investor Network. Eric is on the Board of Trustees of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, the Board of 7uice Foundation, and the Advisory Board of Winchester Hospital.