Making Birmingham Move: Ed Fields Is A 'Generational Bridge'

BIRMINGHAM, AL — If you live in Birmingham and don't already know Ed Fields, chances are good he has still made a difference in your life, as Fields has been Mayor Randall Woodfin's chief strategist and senior advisor since the mayor was elected in 2017.

Fields, who also helped run Woodfin's campaign for mayor, has worn a variety of hats in his career, as a marketing consultant, event planner, business owner and in a variety of roles with the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce.

In essence, Fields has likely had a hand in decisions and policies that are a part of every Birmingham resident's lives. Birmingham is glad to have him, and he is passionate about Birmingham in return.

Patch was able to catch up with Fields — not an easy task, as Fields is one of the busiest men in the city — and discuss what motivates him, what moves him and what makes Birmingham great.

If you were trying to convince someone to move to Birmingham, what would be your sales pitch?

Dan Pink said, "meaning is the new money." If that resonates with you, then consider the fact that Baby Boomers who are retired and activating their legacy plans and Gen Z who tend to lead with their values are driving a massive trend to move to cities where they can be their best selves (self-actualization). Birmingham is one of the very few cities in America with the economic stability, cultural assets and natural environment to support the dreams and aspirations of any one of any age.

In short, come to Birmingham and make a good living and know that you can be seen and appreciated for the person you are while contributing to solutions to some of the nation's biggest challenges. You can make a real difference here and we have the receipts to prove it.

Shorter: "Come to Birmingham and birth your own movement."

In what areas do you think Birmingham needs the most improvement?

Birmingham needs more "commons." More spaces where people from different parts of town and different walks of life can have positive, unplanned interaction. We need more unexpected delight that can only be found in discovering shared values with our neighbors. This happens naturally at major events, but even major events tend to attract a narrow set of attendees -- not a broad cross-section of residents and visitors. The closure of Urban Standard coffee shop (and other venues) as a result of COVID was a major loss to our social fabric, connecting homeless residents, students, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, creatives and civic leaders from every economic strata. How do we replace that kind of daily, organic and authentic space?

What motivates you to come to work every day?

Shifting power to the margins, privileging new voices and knowing this is a temporary assignment. I am also directly connected to many of our community elders whom I admire and adore. I feel personally responsible for ensuring the work — much of which literally changed the world — continues in a way that is relevant for young people. I am a generational bridge.

Who would you say has been your biggest influence in your life?

My life has been shaped by so many people. I was literally raised by the community, but my parents centered me and I owe them everything. My sister is very influential, I learned loyalty from her. My personal all-time hero is Paul Robeson. I have a collage of great thinkers in my office at City Hall — everyone from Khalil Gibran to Lauren Hill to Bruce Lee. They have all influenced my thinking.

Aside from your current job, of course, what would be your dream job?

I don't have a dream job, per se. My life mission is not tied to a job. However, when I take a sabbatical or retire I want to be a stage hand for an theatrical production at Red Mountain Theatre Company. I think it would be fun.

Patch is always looking to chat with people who help make your community move. If you know someone who should be featured, email michael.seale@patch.com