Edward Sharp Walsh

Edward Sharp Walsh is an American businessman and philanthropist who has served as the United States Ambassador to Ireland since July 1, 2025.

Edward Sharp Walsh
Official portrait, 2025
26th United States Ambassador to Ireland
Incumbent
Assumed office July 1, 2025[1]
President	Donald Trump
Preceded by	Claire D. Cronin
Personal details
Political party	Republican
Children	3
Residence(s)	Bedminster, New Jersey, U.S.
Alma mater	Villanova University

Career

Business leadership

Walsh is the president of the Walsh Company, a general contracting and project management firm he founded in 2003. Headquartered in Morristown, New Jersey, the company has achieved nationwide success in construction and real estate development.^[2][3] Before establishing his own firm, Walsh worked as a senior vice president at Gale & Wentworth, a diversified real estate investment and services company.^[3]

Public service and philanthropy

From 2010 to 2018, Walsh served as chairman of the New Jersey Schools Development Authority under then-Governor Chris Christie. In this role, he oversaw significant improvements in educational infrastructure.^[2][3]

In addition to his public service, Walsh has been an active supporter of the Republican Party. He was a delegate to the 2020 Republican National Convention and backed Donald Trump re-election campaign.^[3]

Walsh is a dedicated philanthropist, contributing to several nonprofit organizations in Morris and Somerset counties, New Jersey. He has been recognized for his work with the American Cancer Society, Somerset Hills Learning Institute, Interfaith Food Pantry of Morristown, Employment Horizons, Jewish Vocational Services, and Family Service of Morris County.^[3]

Appointment as U.S. ambassador to Ireland

Walsh being sworn in as the United States Ambassador to Ireland, June 2025

President-elect Donald Trump announced Walsh’s nomination as the United States Ambassador to Ireland on 14 December 2024. The announcement was made via Trump’s Truth Social platform. Trump described Walsh as a “Champion Golfer” and a valuable “asset” for the ambassadorship.^[4][2][3]

Walsh was confirmed by the United States Senate on 4 June 2025, by a vote of 57 to 38, receiving the support of seven Democrats.^[5] He was sworn in to office by Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a ceremony in the Oval Office on 19 June 2025.^[6] He presented his credentials to President Michael D. Higgins on July 1, 2025.^[7]

Personal life

Walsh lives in Bedminster, New Jersey. While he is an active golfer and community leader, additional details about his family life remain undisclosed.^[2][3]