Ed Rivera

Ed Rivera grew up in Brownsville, Texas, and can relate to the experiences of IDEA’s students in the Valley based on his experience attending schools in Brownsville ISD.

Ed worked for more than 40 years in the petrochemical and consumer product industries. He has experience leading global business initiatives in 29 countries, including Russia, China, South Korea, and throughout Western Europe and South America. Back in his home region, Ed is an active civic leader in the Rio Grande Valley. He served as the President of the Economic Development Corporation of Laguna Vista, Texas, where he supported the growth of small businesses. He also served as a Trustee for Texas Southmost College and has served on multiple government and nonprofit boards, including the Laguna Vista Planning and Zoning Board, the Foundation Board at the University of Texas RGV, Hooked for Life, Brownsville International Airport, the Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts, and the American Marine Institute. Ed earned his undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from the University of Houston and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.