Edward Mitchell serves as Executive Director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Tennessee. In this role, he oversees professional and administrative staff, conducts outreach to solicit information regarding disability services, develops relationships with Independent Living (IL) stakeholders, and engages with Directors of Centers for Independent Living to develop the State Plan for Independent Living. 

He was appointed by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee to serve on the Statewide Council on Developmental Disabilities. As a council member, he advises on legislation, public policy, and matters related to the provision of IL services. Edward serves on numerous boards, including the United Spinal Association’s Tech Access initiative. 

In 2003, Edward was a victim of a hit-and-run bicycle accident. He was hit by a truck, thrown into a ditch, and found by his younger brother. Edward has quadriplegia with an incomplete spinal cord injury at the C5 and C6 levels, but that hasn’t stopped Edward. In 2008 he crossed into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. via the Beta Pi chapter on the Lane College campus. In 2009, he obtained his bachelor’s degree from Lane College, a private HBCU, and his MBA in 2011 from Union University.

In 2018, Edward was selected as an inaugural ABLE Advisor for the Able National Resource Center. He testified before the US Senate Special Committee on Aging on Supporting Economic Stability in a hearing on self-sufficiency as Americans with disabilities and their families age.

Edward was inducted into the Lane College Hall of Distinction for the Young Alumni Achievement Award and was honored to accept the Jefferson - Multiplying Good Award from Leaders Credit Union for advocacy for individuals with disabilities locally and nationally.

In 2023, Edward was featured as one of the top 50 Changemakers by Money Magazine for his advocacy work to increase the age of ABLE eligibility.