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Darrell Edwards

Assistant Professor

Location Room - 300, Stokely Management Center , United States

Department:

Supply Chain Management

View Faculty Publications

Biography

Darrell Edwards is an assistant professor of practice in supply chain management at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Haslam College of Business. Before joining the faculty, he was senior vice president and COO at La-Z-Boy Incorporated, the nation’s largest producer of reclining chairs and one of its largest home furnishings providers. Edwards has over three decades of global operations and supply chain experience, delivering significant value within consumer product industries. His interests focus on business coaching, team building, process innovation and strategy.

While at La-Z-Boy, Edwards led the global operations and supply chain for La-Z-Boy Incorporated’s Branded Business, totaling more than 9,000 employees. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors for Dovetail Brands in Grabill, Indiana. Edwards has been recognized as an award-winning leader and has steered numerous business units to achieve national and global recognition for operational excellence. He is a frequent guest speaker at various national forums and has authored articles in several business trade publications.

Edwards holds a doctorate from the Fox School of Business at Temple University, MBA from UT Knoxville and a master’s degree from the Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Education:

2017 Temple University, D.B.A., Business Administration

2009 Thunderbird School of Global Management, M.G.M., Global Management

2003 University of Tennessee, Knoxville, M.B.A., Business Administration

1995 Troy State University, M.S.M., Management

1990 Athens State College, B.S.,

Awards/Honors
  • Safety Culture Award from National Safety Council 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.
  • Green Cross Safety Award Winner-National Safety Council 2020.
  • Association of Supply Chain Management’s "Making an Impact Award" 2020.
  • Recognized by Newsweek Magazine for Best Customer Service - Furniture 2018, and top-two finalist 2019.
  • Gartner Power of the Profession Awards Semi-Finalist for Supply Chain Breakthrough 2019.
  • Chicago Athenaeum - Good Design Award 2019.
  • Gartner Power of the Profession Awards Semi-Finalist for Talent Breakthrough 2018.
  • Industry Week Best Plants award; Best Plants Winner 2010.