We would like to thank Mr. Ed Patterson for all of his donations and support to make Social Media Week possible. His passion for The University of Tennessee is truly exemplified by how much he gives back to the school. With this year’s theme, The Power of Social Media, we decided to take a look at the power behind the event.

Ed has more than 20 years of experience in the areas of corporate communications, public relations, public affairs and community relations.  Currently, Ed serves as Vice President of Corporate Communications for Veritiv Corporation (NYSE: VRTV), a leading North American distribution company based in Atlanta.  In this leadership role, he oversees internal and external communications, media relations, digital and social media, executive communications, community relations, and crisis communications for Veritiv.

Previously, Ed served as senior director of public affairs for Atlanta-based Cox Enterprises.  He also held senior communications and public relations positions with Edelman Public Relations, BellSouth and AT&T, and as press secretary for a member of the United States Congress.

Ed currently serves on the Board of Directors of Open Hand Atlanta; is a past member of the National Board of Governors for the Human Rights Campaign; and the Board of Visitors for the University of Tennessee College of Communications.

Ed is a 2014 Leadership Atlanta graduate and is founder of the annual Social Media Week Speaker series at the University of Tennessee.  He holds a Bachelors degree in Communication and Journalism from the University of Tennessee.

We would like to give Ed “A Big Orange Thank You”, for being the Power behind this event.

You can follow Ed on Twitter| @edvol89, @veritiv   Linkedin| www.linkedin.com/in/edpatterson1