Eric Golnick

Eric Golnick
Allegiance United States
Service/branch United States Navy

Eric Golnick is an American veteran of the United States Navy and an advocate for mental healthcare among military veterans, with a particular emphasis on preventing United States military veteran suicide. He grew up in a military family and graduated with honors from the University of Miami, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 2009 and a Master of Arts in International Administration in 2014. After commissioning as a Naval Officer, Golnick participated in operations across Asia, including the response to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.

Following his military service, which included experiences that led to overcoming challenges with alcohol and PTSD, Golnick became a vocal advocate for veterans' mental health. He has served as a Senior Policy Analyst at U.S. Southern Command and later as a Strategic Planner at the Natick Army Research Labs. In 2016, he co-founded Forge Health, where he serves as CEO, focusing on providing mental health and substance abuse treatment for veterans, first responders, and their families.

Forge Health has partnered with the Veterans Administration to expand mental health services and has adapted its offerings to include telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Golnick has testified before Congress on veterans' mental health issues and has received recognition for his work, including an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Miami in 2023.