Ed will deliver a powerful talk, “Lifelong Learning as Lifelong Reinvention,” sharing his three-act personal story of transformation and his “Pivot Moments” philosophy, inspired by his experience as a 2025 U.S. Presidential Leadership Scholar. Through his mission of “building bridges to a better us in the USA,” Ed offers inspiring insights on navigating change, fostering community, and embracing lifelong learning as a pathway to self-reinvention.

A decorated combat veteran and former Marine aviator, Ed has led an extraordinary life of service, leadership, and transformation. After his military career, he transitioned to the corporate world, with senior leadership roles at global brands including Harley-Davidson Motor Co. and Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. Today, he serves as Chief Operating Officer at the Belmont University Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine and as Professor of Practice at Belmont’s Jack C. Massey College of Business. Ed also serves on the board of WD-40 Company and is the Chair of the Nashville Chapter of the National Association of Corporate Directors.