EDC President Luther Luedtke Steps Down

WALTHAM, MA | Having announced in 2014 that he would retire in early 2015, EDC President and Chief Executive Officer Luther S. Luedtke officially steps down today, February 6, following the company’s board meeting earlier this week.

Upon learning of the retirement, EDC’s board of trustees began a nationwide search for a candidate to succeed Luedtke, who has served in the role since 2006. It is hoped that a successor will be appointed this spring. In the interim, Board Chair Marvin Suomi will serve as acting president and CEO.

“It is with commitment and optimism that Luther has shepherded EDC through an extraordinary time of many accomplishments and challenges,” Suomi wrote in a worldwide message to EDC staff. “Over the past nine years, EDC has experienced tremendous growth, both nationally and internationally, and has extended its reach and reputation around the world.”

Since Luedtke joined EDC nine years ago, the organization has nearly doubled its staff worldwide, and revenues grew from $105 million to a high of $207 million in 2013. Luedtke presided over the company as it expanded its portfolio to include such focus areas as big data in education and digital health. He is credited with establishing EDC’s world headquarters in Waltham, Mass., adding a fourth U.S. corporate office in Chicago, and helping to develop a multi-year strategic plan that will position EDC for years to come.

EDC held a program of events and a staff reception earlier this week to celebrate Luedtke’s tenure and achievements.

EDC designs, implements, and evaluates programs to improve education, health, and economic opportunity worldwide. Visit www.edc.org.