Yul Edwards has spent over 20 years in legislative, political, and electoral politics, having served four Members of Congress over the span of his career in public service. Prior to joining Thorn Run Partners, Yul served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-IL), a senior member of the Ways and Means Committee and Oversight Committee. In this role, he advised Congressman Davis on tax policy, healthcare, transportation, energy, urban agriculture, the sugar program, environmental policy, and judiciary issues before the Congress. Edwards routinely interacted with the greater Chicago business community, CEOs, senior government officials, and White House staff. On the Hill, Edwards worked closely with Members and staff of the Congressional Black Caucus and managed several Congressional Caucus groups.
As a Hill staffer, Yul worked closely with key staff and stakeholders to assist in passing Rep. Davis’ signature legislative accomplishment, the Second Chance Act, and several provisions in the Affordable Care Act, all while developing strong relationships with key Congressional Committees.
Before joining Congressman Davis, Edwards served as a government relations professional with the firm Fabiani & Co. There, he managed fifteen clients on a broad range of issues including defense, transportation, and regulatory affairs, university programs, and low-tech manufacturing. Before that, Edwards served as Legislative Director for Frank Ballance, Jr (D-NC) where he developed and managed policy outreach and political affairs. Yul was instrumental in securing funding for Hurricane Isabel efforts and expanding the local community health centers’ budgets.
An active member of numerous civic organizations and the founder of a mentoring organization, Yul has served on several national and local boards and has received numerous Congressional staff awards. Yul also enjoys reading historical biographies, mentoring, and local politics. He currently resides in Washington, DC, and is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas.
