Ed has a professional passion for tourism and helping small businesses grow. He owned two successful establishments in Winona, Ed’s (no name) Bar and Boat House Restaurant prior to selling them in 2019. Previous to his time as a small business owner, Ed held marketing management positions for Jim Beam Brands, Bacardi USA, and Hale’s Ales. Ed has also done independently contracted marketing work for Visit Winona and Bluff Country Co-op. 

He has been involved in community development and arts organizations for years, currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Marine Art Museum and as a Governor’s appointee to the Explore Minnesota Council on Tourism. Ed is a former executive director of the Lake City Chamber of Commerce, has been a member of the Winona Fine Arts Commission, and was a founding board member of Engage Winona. Ed is a Blandin Community Leadership Program and Academy for Community Engagement (ACE) alum.

Ed obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from Winona State University in 2004, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

In his spare time, he enjoys travelling, bicycling, hiking, painting, and photography.