Breakout Session Speaker

In a world of noise, the most effective leaders don't just share data—they share a vision. Whether you are advocating for a local policy, rallying a nonprofit board, or re-positioning your personal brand, your voice is your most potent tool. But how do you sharpen your personal and professional narratives for maximum impact? In this dynamic 50-minute session, we explore the intersection of storytelling and civic engagement, introducing a fresh framework to help you shift the energy in every room you enter. Through the lens of building community, we will examine real-world case studies, lessons learned, and storytelling drawn from the presenter's journey through entrepreneurship, civic and political leadership in Alabama.

Ed Fields blends technical expertise with a creative's intuition. He is dedicated to the belief that storytelling is not just a soft skill, but a primary tool for civic leadership and professional advantage. Ed has spent over two decades at the heart of the institutions that define Alabama’s civic and economic landscape. Known as a level-headed diplomat and strategic visionary, he has navigated the inner workings of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Alabama Media Group, and Birmingham City Hall. Currently, Ed serves as the Senior Advisor and Chief Strategist for the City of Birmingham, where he leads strategic initiatives and civic innovation under Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. His reputation as a narrative architect was cemented as the campaign manager for Mayor Woodfin’s 2017 grassroots victory, a "data-centric" effort that mobilized 11,000 new voters through the power of a clear, courageous vision. Ed co-founded the firm Relax, It’s Handled and served as a producer of high-impact narrative experiences which garnered him national recognition from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Ed graduated from Alabama State University with B.S. In Business Administration and received his MBA from the University of Alabama.