Edge Announces Leadership Transition: Christopher R. Markham, Ph.D.(c) Named Interim President and CEO

"Sam's visionary leadership has been instrumental in positioning Edge as a trusted partner for institutions seeking to harness the potential of digital networks to advance teaching, learning, and research," said Dr. Steven Rose, Chairman of Edge's Board of Directors. "His dedication to innovation and member service has left an indelible mark on our organization and the communities we serve. We extend our deepest gratitude for his years of distinguished service and wish him well in his retirement."

Christopher R. Markham brings over 25 years of executive leadership experience spanning higher education, research networks, military, and the private sector to his new role. Since joining Edge in 2018 and most recently serving as Executive Vice President of Operations & Chief Economic Development Officer, Markham has played a central role in the organization's transformation into one of the largest and most respected research and education networks in the Northeast.

Working in close collaboration with Edge's leadership team, Markham has helped advance the expansion of multi-state GigaPOP connectivity anchored at Princeton University and Rutgers University, with critical hubs in Philadelphia and Manhattan. These initiatives have enabled high-performance research networking for R1 universities, medical centers, and federal research partners, while elevating Edge's national profile as a trusted leader in the digital infrastructure space.

Markham's extensive background includes two decades of service in the U.S. Army Active Duty and Reserve components from 2000 to 2021, where he progressed from an enlisted technology engineer to a commissioned officer, ultimately leading multi-state operations, fiscal planning, logistics, and organizational readiness. This military experience instilled a values, service, and mission-first ethic paired with a collaborative leadership style that continues to guide his executive approach.

A dedicated scholar and educator, Markham has been actively engaged in academically rigorous, peer-reviewed research dissemination since 2013, with a focus on economic policy, technology, and institutional transformation. His doctoral dissertation, Artificial Intelligence, the Productivity J-Curve, and the Timing of Public Policy Responses, reflects his deep engagement in analyzing the intersection of general purpose technologies, labor markets, and public economic policy. He has also served as an adjunct professor at institutions ranging from community colleges to research universities.