2006-03-22

John A. Edwardson, CEO
CDW

"CEO Perspective"

John A. Edwardson serves as chairman of the board of directors, chief executive officer and executive committee member of CDW, a Fortune 500 company and a leading provider of technology products and services for businesses, government agencies and educational institutions.

In his role as chairman and chief executive officer, Edwardson is responsible for the strategic direction of the company and leading the senior management team.  Edwardson joined the company in 2001 and brought a wealth of business experience to the management team at CDW.  Prior to joining the company, Edwardson served as chairman and chief executive officer of Burns International Services Corporation from 1999 until 2000.  Edwardson also previously served as a director (1994-1998), president (1994-1998) and chief operating officer (1995-1998) of UAL Corporation and United Airlines.  Prior to UAL Corporation and United Airlines, he served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Ameritech Corporation from 1991 until 1994.

Edwardson is a 1971 graduate of Purdue University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and a 1972 graduate of the University of Chicago where he earned a Master of Business Administration degree.  He currently serves on the board of directors of FedEx Corporation and the Board of Trustees for The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Ravinia Festival.  Edwardson is Chairman of the Board of Directors for The Executives' Club of Chicago, and in addition, serves on the Advisory Council of the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.