Don Graves named chairman of EDGE Partners

EDGE Partners has named former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves chairman of its board as the Washington advisory firm looks to expand its work with states, regions and companies pursuing cross-border investment and market entry. Graves will help steer strategy for clients seeking investment attraction and international growth.

Why it matters: - EDGE Partners is leaning on a former senior U.S. commerce official to sharpen its pitch to governments and companies competing for investment. - Graves brings experience in federal economic policy, supply chain resilience and place-based development that can shape how EDGE advises clients on cross-border growth.

What happened: - EDGE Partners named Don Graves chairman of its board on Oct. 27, 2026. - Graves previously served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce and has been on EDGE’s board since the firm was founded. - EDGE Partners said Graves will guide strategy for work with states, regions and companies entering or expanding in international markets.

The details: - EDGE Partners is a Washington, D.C.-based advisory firm focused on international investment, trade and market expansion. - The firm advises states and regions on investment attraction and supports companies entering new markets. - Jasjit Singh, EDGE Partners CEO and founder, said Graves understands how federal policy, supply chains and local economic development affect investment decisions. - Graves said regions need to understand what companies are looking for, and companies need to understand where they plan to invest. - Graves said EDGE has practical experience on both sides of those decisions. - Graves said he looks forward to working with the board and leadership team to guide growth and strengthen client work. - As Deputy Secretary of Commerce and the department’s chief operating officer, Graves oversaw work spanning national security, economic development and major investment initiatives. - EDGE said Graves’ background will inform its approach to policy and commercial issues that shape cross-border investment. - EDGE helps governments, economic development organizations and companies pursue international investment, trade and expansion. - The firm says it was founded by former U.S. diplomats and senior trade and investment officials. - EDGE offers investment attraction strategy, international company outreach, in-market representation and trade mission support. - EDGE also helps U.S. companies expand overseas and international companies enter and grow in the United States. - The firm advises on market entry, site selection, incentives and government engagement. - EDGE’s board is chaired by Graves and includes Jasjit Singh, Bill Burwell, Gary Sumihiro, Alejandra Castillo and Kenny McDonald.

Between the lines: - The appointment signals EDGE is emphasizing policy credibility and public-sector experience as a selling point for clients navigating investment decisions. - Graves’ background bridges government and business, which fits a firm focused on helping clients move between policy, incentives and commercial expansion.

What's next: - Graves will help steer EDGE’s growth and its work with clients seeking investment and market expansion. - The firm is likely to use the appointment to deepen relationships with regions, economic development groups and companies weighing international moves. - EDGE listed Autumn Schiff as the media contact and shared its LinkedIn page: EDGE Partners on LinkedIn.