Edmund Ford Jr

Dr. Ford was elected to the Shelby County Board of Commissioners on August 2, 2018, to represent the constituents of District 9. District 9 includes neighborhoods in Southwest Memphis such as Westwood, West Junction/Walker Holmes, and Whitehaven. District 9 encompasses most of the communities in the 38109 and 38116 zip codes.

Edmund was born in Mobile, Alabama, the oldest child of Edmund, Sr., and Myrna Ford. He graduated at age 16 from Memphis Central High School and went on to earn Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science from Tennessee State University. He completed two years of Ph.D. study in Leadership and Policy Studies at Vanderbilt University, ultimately earning a Doctoral degree in Higher Education Administration and Supervision from Tennessee State University. Dr. Ford also possesses an Associate of Occupational Science degree in Funeral Service from the American Academy McAllister Institute of New York.

Additionally, Commissioner Ford holds an Executive Leadership Certificate from the Cornell University Leadership and Strategic Management Program as well as a Local Government Leadership Program Certificate from the University of Tennessee. Recently, Ford completed his Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification from Purdue University.

Commissioner Ford is a former Mathematics Instructor for Shelby County Schools and is now the Senior Financial Literacy Coordinator for the City of Memphis where he provides virtual and in-person classes and resources in areas such as personal/business credit, homeownership, and investing. Prior to his service on the County Commission, Ford served eleven years as a Memphis City Councilman, as Vice-Chairman in 2012 and 2016, and as Council Chairman in 2013.

Dr. Ford has been the recipient of many awards: The Interesting and Influential 100 (THEii100) of Memphis (2017), Westwood Neighborhood Association Community Service Award (2016), Tri-State Defender 50 Men of Excellence (2013), Memphis Business Journal’s Top 40 Under Forty (2011), ETS Recognition of Excellence Award in Mathematics: Top 15 Percent in Content Knowledge (2000), Golden Key National Honor Society (2000), Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, Incorporated (Life Member), Memphis Area Association of Realtors®-Affiliate Broker, Infinity Group Realtors, Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Tennessee, 32?, Orange Mound Lodge of Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons, Lodge #357, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Incorporated (Life Loyal Member), Tennessee State University Alumni Association-Shelby County Chapter, and Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands Alumni Member.

He served as Secretary for the Tennessee Municipal League 8th District (2013-2014) as well as their Alternate Director (2014-2018), and Director (2018). Additionally, Dr. Ford is on the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Leadership Memphis, an Advisory Member of the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA) Community Leader Committee, Mentor, People for the American Way Foundation’s Young Elected Officials (YEO) Network, Board Member, Tennessee Renewable Energy, and Economic Development Council (TREEDC).

In Dr. Ford's spare time he enjoys bowling and poker.