Treasurer Candidate #4

Eric Suarez

"Investing in Tomorrow, Today."

Eric's photos were captured by:

H. Preston Luniewski / The Avion

Meet Your Treasurer Candidate Eric!

Eric Suarez

Senior, BS Mechanical Engineering

"As a senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in high-performance vehicles, I offer a variety of technical expertise and leadership skills to the Treasury Board.

Since transferring to Embry-Riddle, I've been an active member of the Treasury Board, treasurer for both ERAU Motorsports and Engineers-Without-Borders, dedicated to optimizing funding processes and supporting student organizations. With a background in finance and a deep commitment to transparency, I'm now running for Treasurer to ensure equitable access to resources. Through my experience and passion for student advocacy, I aim to streamline procedures, provide guidance to less experienced treasurers, and to equip every organization to thrive. Together, we will build a stronger and more transparent environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed and make a meaningful impact."

  • What is your platform for this campaign? How does it stand out?

    "My platform stands out by prioritizing equity and efficiency in the Registered Student Organizations funding process. As a Tier 7 representative, I have been actively involved in assisting newer organizations and less experienced treasurers, meeting with many of them one-on-one, ensuring they understand the intricacies of our budgeting process. By streamlining both the front and back end, we will create a more optimized reimbursement process, minimizing bottlenecks, and ensuring fair and justified allocations. Additionally, I plan to implement regular training sessions and workshops to further educate organizations and treasurers on budget management best practices. These training sessions will not only educate but promote more involvement in our current student organizations on campus. Ultimately, my approach aims to eliminate hindrances and promote a more equitable distribution of funds, empowering all organizations to navigate the funding process with ease and confidence. Together, we will build a financial system that supports the success of every student organization on campus."

  • What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

    "As the longest-standing board member and treasurer of multiple organizations, I possess in-depth knowledge of both the front-end and back-end budgeting processes. Additionally, my strong connection with the Student Engagement and Student Union (SESU) staff members, having served as the only student representative on the Annual Fund for the past two years, has provided invaluable insights into campus-wide financial operations. Furthermore, my heavy involvement with the Professional Development fund has given me a deepened understanding of students' needs to achieve their professional goals. Having many one-on-one talks with many students has helped me get a new scope across campus from different cultures, viewpoints, and concerns. These unique perspectives allow me to approach the role of Treasurer with a comprehensive understanding of its multifaceted responsibilities. From budget management to fostering collaboration with faculty and promoting student development, I believe I am equipped with the necessary skills and insights to effectively serve the student body in this capacity, making me, in my opinion, the most qualified candidate."

  • As the SGA's Treasurer, you are responsible for managing and approving the budgets of organizations across campus. How will you ensure that money is distributed fairly and that organizations have what they need to operate?

    "As SGA Treasurer, I am committed to ensuring that every organization across campus receives fair and equitable funding to support their operations and initiatives. To achieve this, I will lead a diligent and meticulous board dedicated to reviewing budget requests with care and attention to detail. We will carefully examine each organization's needs and contributions, considering their qualifications within our tier system to determine appropriate allocations. With this new system that has recently been put in place, there are some things that need minor adjustments. With any new system developed, it does not come out of the factory flawless. One of my jobs as Treasurer would be to find those flaws and inconsistencies and find the best solution possible. Additionally, I understand the importance of providing support and guidance to organizations throughout the budget submission process. I will be readily available to address any questions or concerns they may have, offering assistance and advice to ensure they feel confident in their budget submissions. My aim is to promote an environment of transparency and accessibility, where organizations and students feel supported to navigate the budgeting process effectively. Furthermore, I recognize the finite nature of the SGA budget and the importance of maximizing the impact of every dollar allocated. Through strategic planning and collaboration, we will work to optimize our resource distribution, ensuring that each organization/division/student receives the necessary funding to fulfill their mission and goals. With a steadfast commitment to equity, efficiency, and student support, I am dedicated to leading the SGA Treasury team in serving the needs of our campus community effectively and responsibly."

  • How would you define risk management in relation to your position and how would you use this skill in your position if elected?

    "Risk management in my position involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks to ensure the financial stability and integrity of the Student Government Association. This includes making sure that all Divisions, treasurers, and SGA officials have the required resources to be financially successful. If elected, I would prioritize clear communication channels between the SGA Student Treasury and Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) to prevent any mistakes from adversely affecting the organizations. For example, in the circumstance of a miscommunication of a certain process or unclarified requirement, like in budget allocations, I would know how to remedy that situation and how to get the proper channels to communicate the solution to all parties involved. These channels would involve emails, Discord, and various other social media platforms. It's essential that any errors made within the Treasury Board do not unfairly impact RSOs and effective communication plays a crucial role in achieving this goal."

  • What does the SGA mean to you?

    "The Student Government Association holds profound significance to me as it embodies the collective voice and spirit of the student body. SGA serves as a crucial platform for students to engage in democratic processes, advocate for their needs, and effect positive change within our campus community. It represents an opportunity for students to actively participate in shaping their university experience and fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion. Through SGA, students have the chance to develop leadership skills, build meaningful connections, and contribute to the betterment of our academic environment. As someone deeply committed to student advocacy and empowerment, I view the SGA as a vital source for amplifying student voices, addressing concerns, and promoting initiatives that enhance the overall student experience. It symbolizes the power of collaboration, unity, and civic engagement, reminding us that together, we can create a campus community that truly reflects and serves the diverse needs and aspirations of all students."