Candidate: Ed Brandt

Ed Brandt currently serves as the Pastor for Lely Presbyterian Church, Naples, Florida.  An ordained Presbyterian Minister, Ed has served churches in Pennsylvania, Delaware, California, and Michigan ranging in sizes from 50 to 2200.  He and his wife Jane moved to Florida following a 32 year career in the National Guard.  He retired from the National Guard in May 2020 from his last duty assignment in Arlington, Virginia as the Chief Chaplain, National Guard Bureau, and United States Army Deputy Chief of Chaplains, Army National Guard. He provided religious advice to the Chief, National Guard Bureau and served as liaison to the United States Army Chief of Chaplains.  He retired at the rank of Brigadier General. 

Prior to deploying to Iraq in 2008, Ed served churches full-time.  While in Iraq, he served as a Brigade Chaplain providing pastoral care and worship to over 1200 Soldiers. For his service in Iraq, Ed received the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service. Upon returning home, he continued service as a Chaplain at the National Guard Bureau, Arlington, Virginia, and then as State Chaplain for Delaware.  In 2017 he was selected as United States Army Deputy Chief of Chaplains, Army National Guard and in 2018 selected as Chief Chaplain, National Guard Bureau.  He was honored to serve as the guest preacher for the 2019 annual Easter Sunrise Service at Arlington National Cemetery.   

Ed serves on a number of Non-profit Boards including: ThanksUSA, an organization dedicated to providing scholarships to children of Service Members; Alumni Board of Governors for the University of Findlay, Findlay, Ohio; National Guard Youth Foundation, Washington, D.C.; OneMoreDay, a Suicide Prevention Organization; Chapel of the Four Chaplains, Philadelphia, PA; and a former member of the Board of Trustees Lancaster Theological Seminary, Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and he is an Adjunct Professor for Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C.  Ed is a member of the Pelican Bay Rotary Club, Naples, Florida and a member of the Collier County Veterans Council, Naples. 

Awards and honors include University of Findlay as an Outstanding Alumni; and the Moss Award from Lancaster Theological Seminary presented for distinguished service in the practice of specialized ministry. He was one of the 2021 Commencement Speakers for the University of Findlay. 

Ed’s academic degrees include a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, a Doctor of Ministry from Lancaster Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Findlay. He received a certificate from the Homeland Defense Seminar, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts.

Ed is married to the former Jane Stewart.  Ed is the father of three children and Jane and Ed spend time spoiling their three grandchildren and reside in Naples, Florida with their Akita named Brownie.  Ed currently serves as the Pastor for Lely Presbyterian Church, Naples Florida.