Meet Ed Brandt – A Lifetime of Service

Jane and Ed Brown

Ed Brandt serves as Senior Pastor at United Church Marco Island following nearly 32 years of service in the National Guard and having served pastorates in Pennsylvania, Delaware, California, and Michigan. Most recently, Ed served as the Pastor of Lely Presbyterian Church where they experienced great growth under his leadership.

For over twenty years, Ed served as an installed pastor while serving the National Guard one weekend a month and two weeks a year.

In 2008 Ed deployed to Iraq serving as a Brigade Chaplain providing pastoral care and worship to over 1200 Soldiers. For his service in Iraq, Ed received the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service. Upon returning home, he continued service as a Chaplain at the National Guard Bureau, then as State Chaplain for Delaware. Ed was eventually selected as Chief Chaplain, National Guard Bureau and United States Army Deputy Chief of Chaplains, Army National Guard, retiring at the rank of Brigadier General in May 2020. He was honored to serve as the guest preacher for the 2019 annual Easter Sunrise Service at Arlington National Cemetery.

At his retirement he received the Distinguished Service Cross from the Delaware National Guard, and the Joint Service Medal, normally reserved for the rank of major general and above, from the National Guard Bureau.

Ed’s academic degrees include a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, a Doctor of Ministry from Lancaster Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Findlay. He has completed various MBA courses and participated in the Homeland Defense Seminar at Harvard University in 2016.

I bring the same sense of duty and leadership to the Collier Mosquito Control District Board.

I come from a family steeped in community service. Protecting the people of this great nation in uniform taught me that public safety is non-negotiable. Today, I’m proud to serve on the Mosquito Control Board, protecting Collier County residents from diseases carried by mosquitoes.

Quick Facts:

  • 32-year military veteran & retired Chief Chaplain
  • Senior Pastor, Lely Presbyterian Church and United Church of Marco Island
  • Married to Jane Brandt
  • Resident of Collier County since retirement
  • Incumbent Commissioner, Seat 3 (elected 2022)