“One of the challenges of leading such a diverse and rapidly growing organization is developing and galvanizing a team,” said John Erickson. “This is the dimension that [Lambrix] adds to our leadership mix.”

Robert J. Lambrix—former senior vice president and chief financial officer of the Illinois-based global health care company Baxter International, Inc.—has joined Erickson in Baltimore, Md., as vice chairman. Lambrix is working closely with Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John C. Erickson to oversee staff development and executive recruitment throughout the company as it continues to expand and develop more communities across the United States.

At Baxter, Lambrix demonstrated a significant talent in developing corporate executive strengths. Baxter’s current chief executive officer and chief financial officer both worked for him.

Lambrix worked for Erickson briefly in 1996 and has spent the last several months visiting the communities in the network to meet with the people who live and work there. “I find myself astounded by how Erickson has changed,” said Lambrix. During his absence, the Erickson network expanded from three communities to ten. “Every aspect of the organization has improved dramatically in the last six years. Processes, policies, systems and procedures are much more sophisticated, and the quantity of high-quality people throughout the company is vastly greater. What was then a budding culture has taken root, become richer, and is now a way of life.”

Communities in the Erickson network—which to date are home to nearly 10,000 people and provide jobs for more than 5,700—can be found in Maryland, Michigan, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia. The company is currently researching several sites in the Chicago area.

Lambrix points to several factors—finances, people and land—to explain why Erickson is in a prime position to continue its growth. “The most important tangible resources required for growth are in place,” he said.