Ed Zabinski
Session: Arts & Culture Development Led by City Government? Yes, it’s Possible. (Saturday, 9 – 10:15am)
Ed has helped public, non-profit, and private-sector organizations with strategic planning, communications, business development, and change management. He has worked as a senior manager at Grand Rapids State Bank and UPM/Blandin Paper Company in Grand Rapids with responsibilities for human resources management, marketing, information technology, public affairs, communications, and organizational development. Ed also worked for Congressman Jim Oberstar and the Boundary Waters Conservation Alliance early in his career. Ed co-founded three companies: MotherLode North America, Zabinski Consulting, and Rapids Brewing Company. His consulting work includes being a trainer for the Blandin Community Leadership Program and the Blandin Leaders Partnering to End Poverty. Ed was elected to the Grand Rapids City Council for two terms from 2008-16. He has served on the boards of several organizations, including the Northland Foundation, Northspan, Grand Rapids Public Utilities Commission, Range Association of Municipalities & Schools, and the Grand Rapids Economic Development Authority. He has also worked with numerous other community groups in leadership roles. Ed earned an associate of arts degree from Vermillion Community College, a bachelor’s degree in government from St. John’s University, and a master’s degree in public affairs from the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.