Eric Black
Class of 1987

Eric Black, a member of the Rush-Henrietta Class of 1987, is a successful attorney who is making his mark in the corporate world and as well as in his community.

Eric graduated in 1991 from the University of Rochester with a bachelor’s degree in economics, where he also excelled as a four-year varsity football player. Three years later, he received his law degree at the University of Virginia School of Law.

With more than two decades of experience in the field of law, Eric is the vice president and assistant general counsel for EarthLink, a leading network services provider dedicated to delivering superior customer experiences in a cloud-connected world. He manages a team and provides counsel on matter such as contract negotiation, real estate, risk management, human resources, customer disputes, and product development. He also serves as the company’s HIPAA privacy officer.

His success has been recognized publicly in several ways. In 2006, Eric was named to the Rochester Business Journal’s prestigious “40 Under 40” list. That same year, he received the regional African-American Emerging Leaders Award. In 2008, he was recognized for his service to children with the Willie W. Lightfoot Youth Advocate of the Year Award.

When he’s not in the office, Eric stays busy volunteering in his community. He is a member of the town of Henrietta Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. He also serves on the advisory board for The Center for Youth in Rochester and volunteers in the city schools. For the past decade, Eric has served as a volunteer assistant coach for Rush-Henrietta junior varsity basketball. He also has spent 12 years as an assistant coach for the R-H junior varsity and varsity football teams.

Those who know Eric cite his winning personality as one of his most endearing qualities. “I watch him with our children as a coach and mentor,” says Trish Faggiano-LaRocca, a 1986 Rush-Henrietta graduate. “He coaches our boys both on and off the field. He has a big heart and will help any kid in need. He is able to give the boys confidence that some of them need not only to succeed in sports, but in life. The boys respect and trust him.”

Eric lives in Henrietta with his wife Jennifer, and sons Eric and Nicholas.