Eddie has had a longtime interest in and commitment to preserving the rural character of the Shenandoah Valley, revitalizing our downtowns and valuing the environment and natural world. For example, he spearheaded the establishment of an agricultural district in Augusta County, led the formation of two historic districts in downtown Harrisonburg and section hiked the entire Appalachian Trail over a period of 20 years.

Prior to retirement as Director of Public Relations for Hotel Madison & Shenandoah Valley Conference Center, Eddie served as the Executive Director of Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance. In addition to serving as a member of the Alliance board, he is the president of the Build Our Park project for downtown Harrisonburg and the president of the Harrisonburg Appalachian Trail Community advisory committee.

Eddie and his wife, Jane Cox, a recently retired seventh grade life science teacher, live in a historic house along Mossy Creek in Augusta County. They enjoy the outdoors with gardening, hiking, biking and camping as primary interests. The couple has an adult daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren.