Ed Ward (ElEngrCompSci’86)
2025 Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award recipient
Ed Ward is a seasoned technology executive with more than 38 years of industry experience. He serves on the board of directors for Hayward Holdings Inc., a global leader in pool equipment and automation systems, where he contributes strategic expertise in engineering, innovation, and leadership.
Ward retired from Dell Technologies after an accomplished 24-year career in product development, engineering and executive leadership roles. Most recently, he served as president of the Client Product Group, where he led Dell’s global PC business. Under his leadership, the team launched an extensive portfolio of AI-powered PCs, workstations, gaming systems and innovative software designed to unlock human potential. Before joining Dell, Ward held leadership and engineering positions at NCR Corp., Motorola Inc., and Graphics Communications America Ltd. He began his career at NCR as a microprocessor design engineer, laying the foundation for his expertise in innovative technologies.
A passionate advocate for STEM education and workforce inclusion, Ward is dedicated to supporting underrepresented communities. He serves as a key sponsor of the local chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers and actively advances the professional development of Black business leaders through his membership in the Executive Leadership Council.
Ward earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of Colorado Boulder and is a graduate of the Harvard Business School, where he completed the Advanced Management Program. Over the past two decades, Ward has also been recognized as the Black Technologist of the Year (2019, Austin Black Business Journal & Community News Magazine), Top Ten Blacks in Technology (2019, Austin Black Business Journal & Community News Magazine), Most Influential Blacks in Technology (2018, Black Enterprise Magazine), 300 Most Powerful Executives in Corporate America (2017, Black Enterprise Magazine), Gene Washington Champion of Champion Award (2016, National Society of Black Engineers), and Black Engineer of the Year: Outstanding Technical Contribution - Industry (2000, Career Communication Group).
Ward lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Tina Ward, MD, and maintains an active connection to the University of Colorado Boulder as a member of the executive committee of the Engineering Advisory Council (EAC). His previous board roles include the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and Austin Habitat for Humanity.
A nominator notes, “While serving as a member of the EAC’s Executive Committee, Ed contributed to critical strategic planning efforts that strengthened the college's programs in education, research, and inclusion. His leadership in guiding new EAC membership through their transition on the council and his advocacy for university partnership opportunities have directly enhanced the college’s ability to achieve its mission.” Another colleague shares that, “Ed's work on the BOLD Advisory Council has been instrumental in advancing diversity and inclusion within the College of Engineering. He has championed resource allocation for initiatives that improve access and retention for underrepresented students. His enduring connection to Ƶ Boulder exemplifies his commitment to giving back to the institution that laid the foundation for his illustrious career.”