When AMERICAN SYSTEMS undertook the largest acquisition in its history, Nancy Edwards helped guide the transaction from boardroom approvals to closing and through post-deal integration. In her dual role supporting the CEO and serving as corporate secretary, she coordinated governance, managed critical documentation and helped ensure a seamless transition, all while advancing broader efforts to modernize board operations and strengthen the company’s approach to innovation.
Edwards, corporate secretary and executive assistant to the president and CEO of AMERICAN SYSTEMS, is a finalist for WashingtonExec’s Chief Officer Awards in the Private & Public Company Executive Assistant of the Year category. The event takes place live June 2.
Here, she discusses her role in the Epsilon acquisition, supporting strategic initiatives across the business, and the mindset required to succeed in an evolving executive support role.
What key achievements did you have in 2025/2026?
In my dual role as Executive Assistant to the CEO and Corporate Secretary, I played a pivotal role in AMERICAN SYSTEMS’ acquisition of Epsilon, Inc.—the largest acquisition in our company’s history. My contributions spanned the full lifecycle of the transaction, including the review of corporate records and legal documents, coordination of Board meetings to secure required approvals, and execution of closing documents in my capacity as a corporate officer.
Following the close of the deal, I supported integration efforts by drafting and editing employee communications, coordinating leadership meetings, and managing related travel and logistics.
2025 also marked the first full year of the Board’s transition from printed materials to a fully electronic environment. Working with our IT department, I led the development and ongoing administration of our new SharePoint Board Portal, populating it with corporate records and meeting minutes dating back to the company’s founding—creating a modern, efficient, and secure governance platform.
In addition, I proposed and helped develop the company’s AI Ethical Principles, contributing to our organization’s long-term responsible innovation framework. This year, I am actively supporting the search for a new independent director and look forward to overseeing the onboarding process—ensuring the incoming director receives a thorough orientation to Board activities and is positioned to contribute meaningfully from day one.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
Looking ahead, I will continue to support the CEO and play an active role in strategic planning, process improvements, innovation initiatives, and policy reviews. I will also maintain responsibility for all Board operations. As an employee-owner, I am committed to aligning my work with AMERICAN SYSTEMS’ key results and to holding myself accountable for contributing to our long-term success.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
The Executive Assistant role is continually evolving. To succeed, embrace adaptability, maintain a willingness to learn, anticipate needs before they arise, and approach every task—big or small—with professionalism, integrity, and an ownership mindset.
What is something about you that most people do not know?
I am a lifelong vocalist and musician who once dreamed of becoming a rock star. In 1979, I sang a solo and played guitar during the Youth in Concert with Pope John Paul II event at Madison Square Garden. In the 1980s, I was the lead vocalist for a Top 40 cover band.
More recently, I have returned to the stage at local open mic events—often performing alongside my incredibly talented twins, Joelle and Jimmy. And who knows… my rock-star moment may still be ahead of me.
