Charged to serve. Charged to lead.
Eddie Francis
D9 Leadership Blueprint Presenter
Eddie Francis has spoken to over a quarter of a million people in over half of the U.S. Known for his energetic, insightful, and humorous speaking, Eddie cares deeply about cultivating the next generation of ethical leaders. To share his Greek life and professional leadership insights, Eddie wrote the ebook The D9 Leadership Blueprint, hosts the podcast Ethocast, and joyfully delivers sage advice with his #D9OldWisdom social media series.
Eddie has offered thought leadership about Greek life to Watch the Yard, AFLV Connections, HBCU Lifestyle, Al Jazeera America, and The Huffington Post. He also contributed to the Greek University books, From Letters to Leaders: The Legacy of Service and From Letters to Leaders: Perseverance and How to Be a Great Fraternity or Sorority Alumnus.
The NPHC speaker began his leadership journey as president of the Rho Epsilon chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. He held leadership positions with the Black Student Union and Interfraternity Council. Because of his leadership, Eddie earned the Spirit of Loyola Award for Racial Understanding. He later went on to serve as an Alpha Phi Alpha alumni chapter president and campus chapter advisor.
Professionally, Eddie became Clear Channel Radio New Orleans' interim director of promotions at 24 years old. He later became an area manager for Monster.com before leading marketing and communications at Southern University at New Orleans, Paul Quinn College, Dillard University, and Talladega College. His journey also includes talent acquisition, where he recruited for such brands as Quest Diagnostics, Staples, Sprouts Farmers Market, Caliber Collision, and Lowe’s. Eddie worked with over 300 hiring managers to recruit talent from the entry to executive levels.
Among Eddie’s honors and recognition are New Orleans Magazine’s “30 People to Watch,” the Press Club of New Orleans’ Excellence in Broadcasting Best Radio Entertainment Feature Award, one of 25 Twitter Pages Diverse Students Should Follow, and two nominations for the AMA Foundation’s Higher Education Marketer of the Year.
Currently an adjunct instructor for Southern New Hampshire University, he has also taught courses at Tulane University, Dillard University, and Dallas College. Eddie earned his master’s degree in strategic leadership from Tennessee State University. He is a member of the American Marketing Association, the International Leadership Association, and the Press Club of New Orleans. Eddie is the proud husband of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. member, Dr. Halima Leak Francis, and the proud father of Stevie.
