Eric Paulson was born in Harrisonburg, Va., and grew up working on his family’s dairy farm in Port Republic. During high school, Eric was an active 4-H and FFA member. Eric graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Dairy Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. After college, he completed the Sorensen Institute for Public Policy program from the University of Virginia.

Eric has served as the Executive Director for the Virginia State Dairymen’s Association (VSDA) since 2009. In this role, he works on behalf of the dairy farmers in Virginia by representing and promoting the dairy industry in the Commonwealth.

Eric also previously served as the Vice President of the Virginia Cooperative Council, which exists to promote the understanding, history, purpose, and services of cooperatives in Virginia. Growing up working on a dairy farm, Eric has a deep understanding of the important role that cooperatives play in our communities. He also has served on the board of directors for both the Pure Water Forum and the Dairy Foundation of VA.

Eric resides in western Hanover County with his wife, Lindsey, an elementary school teacher, and their elementary-aged children, Heidi and Allen.