Engineering Development Council
The Engineering Development Council (EDC) is Columbia Engineering's premier community of alumni leaders committed to advancing the School's future.
Bringing together accomplished alumni from across industries and generations, the EDC partners with the Dean to advance the School’s Engineering for Humanity vision through philanthropy, volunteer leadership, and strategic engagement.
Members serve as ambassadors for the School, helping to expand Columbia Engineering's philanthropic community, connect alumni with one another and with students, and champion the initiatives that will shape the next generation of engineers and innovators.
The EDC is cultivating a community of alumni leaders who invest their time, expertise, and philanthropy to advance Columbia Engineering's highest priorities.
Member Commitment
Members are asked to:
- Make an annual philanthropic commitment of $15,000 or more to any Columbia Engineering priority.
- Participate in at least two EDC meetings each year, either virtually or in person.
Members are encouraged to contribute in one or more additional ways:
- Introduce prospective donors, alumni leaders, or industry partners to the Engineering Office of Alumni & Development.
- Host or co-host regional or industry-focused alumni gatherings.
- Mentor emerging alumni leaders and young alumni.
- Support cultivation and fundraising efforts by sharing insights, making introductions, or participating in donor conversations when appropriate.
- Serve as ambassadors for Columbia Engineering within their professional and personal networks.
Why Join the EDC?
EDC members play a meaningful role in Columbia Engineering's future while becoming part of a distinguished network of alumni leaders.
Membership offers opportunities to:
- Partner closely with the Dean and School leadership on Columbia Engineering's strategic priorities.
- Build lasting relationships with accomplished alumni across industries and generations.
- Engage with students and faculty through mentorship, events, and other meaningful volunteer opportunities.
- Strengthen Columbia Engineering's philanthropic community through advocacy, introductions, and leadership.
- Help shape initiatives that advance the School's mission and future.
Co-Chairs
Co-Chairs work closely with the Dean and the Engineering Office of Alumni & Development to shape the Council's strategic direction, champion philanthropy, and inspire fellow alumni to become more deeply involved with Columbia Engineering.
Gerry’s career has focused on the technology and media industries, as a General Partner at Crispin Capital, a Sr VP at Yahoo!, and a Partner at Booz Allen & Hamilton.
Gerry holds a BSEE from Columbia and an MBA from Harvard.
He serves on the Columbia Engineering Board of Visitors and co-chairs the Engineering Development Council. He previously served as the co-chair of the Engineering Parents Council.
Reid Ellison is a Co-Founder and President of Long Run Partners, a mortgage investment firm founded in 2021.
Prior to founding Long Run, Reid was a Portfolio Manager at SG Capital Partners a Connecticut-based mortgage credit fund, and was previously a Vice President at Goldman Sachs.
He graduated in 2008 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and currently serves on the Board of Managers of the CEAA as a Past President and is the Co-Chair of the Columbia Engineering Development Council (EDC).
Vice Chairs
Vice-Chairs serve as the driving force behind the Council's growth and engagement. They strengthen regional and industry-based alumni communities, and cultivate the next generation of Columbia Engineering volunteer and philanthropic leaders.
Vice Chair listing, similar to Co-Chair listing
Members listing:
[In progress]