American University is proud to welcome Ed Fisher as assistant vice president of community and government relations. 

Fisher, who joins AU this week, will lead AU’s engagement with the university’s neighboring communities, the District of Columbia and federal governments, and the region. As part of his responsibilities, he will work closely with stakeholders across the university to coordinate the development and oversight of the new campus plan. Fisher also will play an important role in implementing AU’s new strategic plan and its imperative to enhance the university’s engagement with the region.

Fisher is an experienced community, government affairs, and real estate professional in both the public and private sectors. He served most recently as the executive director of the St. Elizabeth’s East Development, a post to which he was appointed by Mayor Muriel Bowser. He managed all aspects of the largest land mass real estate project in the District with investments projected to exceed $2 billion. 

Previously, he served as the director of community affairs for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, where he developed and implemented strategies for community investments and corporate philanthropy. He also has held various leadership positions with the Council of the District of Columbia including chief of staff, committee director, and legislative counsel. In these roles, he drafted legislation, advised on policies, directed legislative strategies, initiated community engagement, and managed the day-to-day operations of a Council office. Fisher worked in the financial services sector at SunTrust Bank and litigation at various agencies in the federal government.  

“Ed brings valuable government, community, and private sector experience to this important position,” said AU President Sylvia M. Burwell. “We are thrilled to have someone so deeply rooted in Washington, D.C., leading our community and government relations efforts.”

“As a native Washingtonian, I’m very excited to join American University, a critical part of the Washington community,” Fisher said. “I look forward to working with the campus to further AU’s efforts to engage and partner with our neighbors, the city, and the region.”

Fisher earned his law degree at the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America. He received a bachelor’s degree in business management from Hampton University.