Calvin
Edwards is an executive with more than 20 years experience
working with charitable, educational, and religious institutions.
In 2001 he founded Calvin Edwards & Company, to “maximize
the good of giving” by consulting with philanthropists
as they support faith-based causes. The firm brings a mixture
of art and science to bear on major giving decisions made
by affluent persons, family offices, private foundations,
and businesses.
This venture builds on Edwards’ experience in the
nonprofit world and the financial services sector. He joined
the senior management team of Ronald Blue & Co. (RBC)
in 1996 and was made a principal later that year. Mr. Edwards
worked closely with Ron Blue on the growth and strategic
direction of the company, with primary responsibilities
for the executive leadership of operations, upgrading its
internal systems, and directing its international expansion.
It was here that Edwards recognized that affluent donors
could benefit from counsel regarding where and how to give.
Previously, Mr. Edwards provided consulting services to
a number of businesses in the seminar, high-tech, and publishing
industries. His major engagement was as the chief operating
officer for Peter Lowe International (PLI) in Tampa, Florida,
a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting time-proven
values that help make great people, communities, and nations.
Prior to PLI, Mr. Edwards was executive vice president
of Walk Thru the Bible (WTB) in Atlanta, managing publishing,
seminars, video, and training. He also led WTB's international
outreach and the administrative aspects of the firm. Mr.
Edwards joined WTB in 1985 and led an aggressive effort
to develop new products and expand the organization.
Other experience includes serving as president of Good
News Unlimited, an interdenominational ministry in California
where he developed a nationally syndicated 15-minute radio
program and published a magazine.
Mr. Edwards holds a bachelor of arts degree with a double
major in literature and religion from Pacific Union College,
and a diploma in education from Avondale College. He earned
a Master of Divinity from Andrews University where he graduated
summa cum laude, and a master of business administration
from Georgia State University.
Mr. Edwards came to the U.S. from Australia in 1979 and
is now a naturalized American. He is married with two children,
and enjoys reading, public policy, snow skiing, and running
10K road races.