Her strategic leadership and dedication to community advancement make her an inspiring keynote speaker for this year’s convocation.
Tisha S. Edwards, JD '01, MSW '00, is a visionary leader whose career has been defined by her unwavering commitment to service, equity, and transformative change. As the newly appointed president and CEO of the Maryland Bankers Association and executive vice president of the Mid-Atlantic Bankers Association, Edwards brings a wealth of executive experience from both the public and private sectors.
Edwards’ leadership journey is marked by her ability to navigate complex systems and drive meaningful impact. She served as chief of staff for Wes Moore’s successful Maryland gubernatorial campaign and later as appointment secretary for Governor Moore’s administration, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the state’s leadership and advancing a progressive agenda. From 2019 to 2021, Edwards was director of the Baltimore Mayor’s Office of Children & Family Success, implementing strategies that uplifted families and empowered youth across the city.
Her influence extends beyond government. As president of BridgeEdU, vice president of corporate affairs for War Horse Cities, and interim CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools, Edwards has demonstrated a rare blend of strategic vision and operational expertise, always centering the needs of the community.
Edwards' academic achievements reflect her dedication to lifelong learning and service. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Georgia State University, a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. Her commitment to education and community is further evidenced by her roles as a trustee of the University of Maryland Baltimore Foundation since 2016 and as a member of the University of Maryland School of Social Work Board of Advisors.
Throughout her career, Edwards has been a driving force for economic growth, representativeness, and community development in Maryland. Her ability to bring people together, advocate for the greater good, and inspire change makes her an exceptional keynote speaker for this year’s convocation.