Ed Feulner, the Founder of The Heritage Foundation and a Giant of the Conservative Movement

On a somber Friday morning, July 19, 2024, the conservative movement received devastating news. Edwin J. Feulner, the founder and president emeritus of The Heritage Foundation, had passed away at the age of 85. For decades, Feulner has been a driving force in shaping America's policy agenda, and his impact on the nation will be felt for generations to come.

As I reflect on my time working with Ed, I am reminded of the countless ways he embodied the principles of leadership that have made him an icon in the conservative movement. Born on April 29, 1939, in Columbus, Ohio, Feulner grew up with a strong sense of duty and responsibility, values that would serve him well throughout his life.

Feulner's journey to becoming one of the most influential conservatives of our time began early. He attended Denison University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in economics in 1961. After graduating, he worked for Senator John W. Warner of Virginia before joining the staff of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary in 1965.

In 1969, Feulner became the executive vice president and general counsel of The Heritage Foundation, a think tank he had co-founded with a group of like-minded conservatives. Under his leadership, Heritage would become one of the most respected and influential conservative organizations in Washington, D.C.

Feulner's approach to leadership was characterized by his ability to build consensus and bring people together. He believed that "people are policy," and he went out of his way to identify and promote talent within the movement. One of today's stars of the movement, Bridgett Wagner, started as Feulen's research assistant before rising to become vice president at Heritage and becoming one of the most critical connectors in the movement.

Feulner was also known for his commitment to principle and his willingness to take unpopular stances when necessary. He famously said, "If we can't make them see the light, then we will make them feel the heat." This phrase encapsulates his approach to activism, which was always grounded in a deep respect for free speech and the importance of challenging prevailing orthodoxy.

Feulner's tenure at Heritage was marked by numerous achievements. He helped shape the organization's focus on economics and foreign policy, while also expanding its influence on social issues. Under his leadership, Heritage became known for its high-quality research and analysis, as well as its ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner.

One of Feulner's most lasting legacies is his commitment to building a family-oriented culture at Heritage. He was deeply committed to the importance of family and believed that it was essential to maintaining a strong work-life balance. As I reflect on my time working with Ed, I am reminded of how he always prioritized family first.

Feulen's personal life was marked by a deep devotion to his faith and his wife, Linda. The couple met while attending the University of Denver, where they both studied economics. After graduating, they married in 1961 and have been together ever since. Feulner was a devout Catholic who saw his faith as a source of guidance and inspiration.

As I reflect on Ed's life and legacy, I am reminded of the many ways he embodied the principles of leadership that have made him an icon in the conservative movement. He was a visionary leader, an unifier, a great boss, a mentor, and above all, a family and civic-minded man and friend. His passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt throughout the nation.

In his own words, Ed Feulner once said, "Onward!" This mantra captured the essence of his approach to life and leadership. He was always looking to the future, always striving to build something better than what came before him.

As we bid farewell to this remarkable individual, I am reminded of the importance of honoring our leaders and celebrating their legacy. Ed Feulner's impact on America will be felt for generations to come, and his memory will serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of principle and conviction.

In the words of Ed himself, "Family always trumped everything" in his life. As we mourn the loss of this remarkable individual, we are reminded of the importance of family, faith, and commitment to our values.

Ed Feulner's legacy is a testament to the transformative power of leadership and the enduring impact that one person can have on the world around them. His passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt throughout the nation, but his memory will continue to inspire us for generations to come.

As we look to the future, it is clear that Ed Feulner's legacy will endure. The principles he embodied - principle, conviction, and a commitment to building something better than what came before - will continue to guide our movement forward.

In conclusion, Ed Feulner was a giant of the conservative movement, and his passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt throughout the nation. His impact on America will be felt for generations to come, and his legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of principle and conviction.

As we say goodbye to this remarkable individual, I am reminded of the many ways he embodied the principles of leadership that have made him an icon in the conservative movement. He was a visionary leader, an unifier, a great boss, a mentor, and above all, a family and civic-minded man and friend.

Ed Feulner's legacy is a testament to the transformative power of leadership and the enduring impact that one person can have on the world around them. His memory will continue to inspire us for generations to come, and his commitment to principle and conviction will serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to our values.

In the end, Ed Feulner's legacy is a tribute to the power of leadership, faith, family, and conviction. He was a true leader, and his impact on America will be felt for generations to come.

About the Author

Derrick Morgan is executive vice president at The Heritage Foundation. Read his full bio here.

Follow Derrick Morgan on Twitter @ddmorganindc

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