A prominent public servant with more than 20 years of service in the City of St. Petersburg, Ed knows how to deliver results on issues important to residents and visitors across the region. Having served nine years on the St. Petersburg City Council and eight years on the Planning and Preservation Commission, he played a central role in shaping the city's growth and waterfront development. Throughout his tenure, he chaired and led numerous task forces focused on some of St. Petersburg's most significant and complex initiatives, including the redevelopment of the Pier and the expansion of Albert Whitted Airport.
Ed's many public service accomplishments include:
- Worked closely with elected officials, civic organizations, and city staff to help construct Albert Whitted Park along the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront
- Led multiple task forces over more than a decade to bring the Pier to fruition as the city's signature waterfront destination
- Served as chairman of a key airport task force, helping develop the plan that resulted in a new terminal, control tower, hangars, and ramp at Albert Whitted Airport
- Developed the concept, secured funding, selected the artist, and oversaw construction of the iconic art replica of the world's first airliner at the Pier
- Worked to bring the Tall Ship Lynx, a War of 1812 American vessel, to St. Petersburg
- Continues to lead a city task force studying Advanced Air Mobility, a transformative initiative for transportation, logistics, and emergency medical response across the region
In addition to his civic leadership, Ed served in the United States Air Force, flying all models of the F-16. He later served in the Air Force Reserves as an Air Operations Officer with Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base during the first Gulf War. He recently retired from American Airlines, where he flew the Boeing 727, 757, 767, and 777, primarily on international routes.
A resident of St. Petersburg since 1976, Ed is deeply rooted in the community he serves. He has two adult children and three grandsons and is a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in St. Petersburg.
Education
B.S., Aeronautical Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Professional and Community Affiliations
- City of St. Petersburg’s Advanced Air Mobility Task Force, Chairman, 2025-2026
- City of St. Peterburg’s Planning and Community Preservation Commission, Chairman and Commissioner, 2008-2015
- Pinellas County Economic Development Council, Board Member, 2008-2015
- St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce Pier Advisors Task Force
- Chairman, 2009-2015
- Vice Chairman, 2008-2009
- City of St. Petersburg’s Pier Working Group, Chairman, 2014
- St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee, Board Member 2008-2015
- Louise Graham Regeneration Center, Board Member, 2008-2015
- R'Club, Board Member, 2008-2015
- St. Petersburg Technology Incubator Planning Committee, Board Member, 2008-2013
- Flight 2014 Board for the St. Petersburg Museum of History, Member, 2010-2021
- City of St. Petersburg’s 8/28 Alliance, C0-Chairman, 2014
- City of St. Petersburg’s Albert Whitted Airport Task Force, Chairman, 2004
- St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce Major League Baseball Task Force, Committee Chairman, 2007-2008
Honors
- Key to the City of St. Petersburg, 2024
- Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians, Florida Politics, 2024
- Upstander Award, Florida Holocaust Museum, 2022
- Power 100 Person of the Year, Tampa Bay Business Journal, 2016
- Air Force Commendation Medal, 1989
- Air Force Combat Readiness Medal, 1988