As a citizen legislator, Ed has worked in challenging full-time leadership roles in the architecture and engineering industry for the entire time he has served in the legislature. Currently, Ed is the Managing Principal at the St John Consulting Group where he leads planning, design, and historic preservation programs nationwide.

Born in Atlanta, Ed grew up in the Southeast and attended Furman University in Greenville, SC where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics and the designation of Distinguished Military Graduate with his Army commission in 1992. A graduate of the US Army Ranger School, Ed served as a Regular Army officer for nine years with leadership assignments in Europe, North Africa, and the Persian Gulf. Ed completed active duty at Fort Stewart, GA as the Commander of the 200+ soldier truck transportation company in the 3rd Infantry Division.

Ed is a recognized statewide leader in the protection of basic human rights such as due process, personal privacy, free speech, self-defense, education and the sanctity of human life. Ed is a frequent speaker in Georgia's schools, and public policy foundations and has been commencement speaker for Kennesaw State University's College of Arts & Sciences.

Married to Tracie, an AP World History and foreign language teacher, Ed is an Eagle Scout and former Assistant Scoutmaster at BSA Troop 2096 in Acworth where he led the troop's outdoor skills training program from 2010-2015. Ed and Tracie share a passion for youth and young adult ministry and are active members of the St. Stephen Orthodox Christian Church in Hiram.