Meet the Board: Erik Vasys

What inspired you to join the Vibrant Works board?

I have been fortunate to be involved with nonprofit organizations, in one form or another, since I was in middle school. My concern for people in need in our community developed early while watching the best role model I had: my mother. She taught children who were deaf at Sunshine Cottage in the 1960s and later, in the 1970s, helped develop a graduate program in deaf education administration at Trinity University.

After retiring in 2021 from a rewarding 31-year career with the FBI, I wanted to get involved in nonprofit work. Vibrant Works was introduced to me by Executive Board member Tom Stringfellow.

I have also been involved with other nonprofits, including the United Way federal fundraising campaign, Habitat for Humanity and 10 years as director of the San Antonio FBI Charity Golf Tournament, which supported college education for children of FBI agents who passed away in the line of duty.

I look forward to helping Vibrant Works as a board member.

What do you love most about Vibrant Works?

Growing up in San Antonio on the South Side, I must have passed the “Lighthouse for the Blind” on Roosevelt at least a thousand times. For many years, I remember the location having the feel of a state-operated warehouse, not far from the State Hospital, and I think that perception was shared by many people for decades.

But now, the Vibrant Works changes and rebranding remind me of Dorothy walking into the Emerald City! It is very impressive, and I’m proud to be a part of it.

When did you join the Vibrant Works board?

After an interview in October 2025, I was selected for board membership in December 2025. I am currently assigned to the Mission Advancement Committee.

What is a fun fact about you?

I lived in New Orleans (NOLA) from 1990 to 1999 during my first FBI office assignment after basic agent training at Quantico, Virginia. Up until that point, my palate had mostly been limited (no complaints!) to Mexican plates, steaks, pizza and the occasional shrimp plate at Sea Island.

NOLA opened up a whole new world of food, drink and revelry, as anyone who has been there can understand. I now consider myself an armchair expert on most things NOLA.

Occupation?

Retired FBI agent. I retired in October 2021 after 31 years of service.