Eddie joined Heartland Alliance in June 2017 as senior director of READI Chicago. In this role, he oversees the management and implementation of the evidence-based and trauma-informed program to reduce gun violence and promote safety and opportunity in the city. As a pioneer in the field, he brings years of experience in community-based organizations and programs created to address trauma and build resiliency among those most impacted by violence. Most recently, he served as executive director for the YMCA of Chicago's youth safety and violence prevention program, where he was responsible for the programs that focused on trauma-informed approaches, such as urban warriors and bridging the divide. He currently serves as a trustee for the Council of Criminal Justice. He has been featured in several academic books, such as Bleeding Out and An American Summer. Eddie holds both a Master's and Bachelor's degree in social work from the University of Chicago and Northeastern Illinois University, respectively.