Eric Edwards has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Public Affairs at U.S. Sugar, where he will oversee all governmental affairs efforts in Florida and Washington D.C.

U.S. Sugar on Wednesday announced the promotion of Eric Edwards to the position of Senior Vice President, Public Affairs. Edwards, who previously served as Vice President, State Governmental Affairs, will assume his new role effective immediately.

Edwards’ new position includes oversight of U.S. Sugar’s governmental affairs efforts, encompassing all aspects of public affairs in Florida and Washington D.C.

Since joining U.S. Sugar in 2016, Edwards has played a role in advancing the company’s standing in public affairs, particularly in agriculture and environmental stewardship. His efforts have included active participation in various statewide and regional business and agricultural organizations, including the Florida Agriculture Coalition and Florida Land Council. In 2021, INFLUENCE Magazine named Edwards as the “Florida Agriculture Lobbyist of the Year.”

“Each year with U.S. Sugar, Edwards has taken on increasingly greater roles and responsibility, and he has proven to be a strong and effective leader — both within our company and the industry,” said Ken McDuffie, President and CEO. “We are extremely proud that one of Clewiston’s own will continue our long-term efforts to advocate for agriculture and our agricultural communities in Tallahassee and Washington DC.”

A seventh-generation Floridian, Edwards resides in Tallahassee with his wife and two children. He is a graduate of Florida State University and served as Chief Legislative Aide to Florida Senate President Don Gaetz prior to his tenure at U.S. Sugar.