We are Community Leaders

Ed and Charlene Friedman-Community Leaders

The impact that Charlene and Ed Friedman have had on the State College community is clear, for more than 40  years they have helped to define the landscape of the region as real estate professionals and, through their volunteer service and philanthropy, have made the area a better place to live.

            Charlene admits that her career in commercial real estate, which earned her recognition as one of Pennsylvania’s “Best 50 Women in Business,” was not her original plan when she graduated from Seton Hall University in 1969.  Upon moving to State College in 1978 she decided on a different path from the Special Education training she received. The real estate industry was suggested, so a decision was made to take the courses needed to obtain a license.

            It was in one of her licensing classes that Charlene first met Ed, who was teaching at Penn State, having graduated from the Ohio State University with a degree in real estate. A native of State College, Ed was born into a Penn State proud family as the son of two Penn State graduates. “Penn State and State College have always been integral parts of my life,” Ed explains. “I moved away to go to school, but was eventually drawn back.”

            After spending time teaching in State College, Ed moved to San Francisco and, while working full time and taking night classes, earned an MBA and law degree. “After receiving my degrees, I was ready to move back to Pennsylvania,” Ed says. “I loved the city, but I wanted open space.”

            Ed and Charlene’s paths crossed in State College, when his real estate company was consulted about projects developed by Charlene’s firm. The projects began a lifetime of collaboration between the two.

            With roots now firmly established in State College, both Charlene and Ed found themselves becoming more immersed in the community. “Volunteering has always been important to me,” Charlene says. “Juggling a career and caring for a family is challenging, but I believe we all have a responsibility to make a difference if we can.” Charlene has served in leadership positions for over thirty community organizations, including as a board member for the Center for Performing Arts, the State College Area Food Bank, and the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS®, and as chairman or president of the Centre County United Way, the Downtown State College Improvement District, Smart Start-Centre County, Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission, the M&T Bank Regional Advisory Board and the Centre County Association of REALTORS®, among many others. She is currently serving on the Regional Board of Centre 1st and the Child Advocacy Center.

            “Charlene is one of those people who has unlimited energy and passion,” Ed says. “Her enthusiasm for helping others is never satisfied.”

            Ed has made his own impact on the State College community and Penn State through his service and philanthropy as well. In addition to teaching real estate classes for Penn State and the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS®, Ed has held leadership positions at Centre County United Way, the Centre County Community Foundation, and Centre County Board of Assessment Appeals; served on the boards of M&T Bank, Mid State Bank, and the Penn State Hotel Restaurant Society; and contributed his time to many other area organizations. He currently serves as a member of the KISH Bank Board of Directors.

            The Friedman’s have also shared their  energy, and expertise to Penn State and its students. Ed’s involvement as an instructor at the University encouraged him to enroll as a student, ultimately earning a master’s degree in hotel, restaurant, and institutional management. Ed and Charlene, whose support of Penn State has been recognized with membership in the Laurel Circle of the Mount Nittany Society, have served on various development and advisory councils for the College of Health and Human Development, assisted with all of the University’s fundraising campaigns, and supported efforts ranging from THON and WPSU to Penn State Centre Stage and the Women’s Leadership Initiative. The couple has also established two scholarships of their own, the Edward A. Friedman Scholarship for incoming freshman from the State College Area School District and the Nick Petnick Trustee Scholarship, in honor of a friend.

            While developing multiple businesses and managing thirty seven real estate partnerships, the couple decided to branch into agriculture and decided to raise alpacas. Over twenty years later, Ed and Charlene have built a reputation for integrity through Mountain Edge Alpacas LLC, one of the premier alpaca breeding facilities in the United States. They perform much of the care and maintenance themselves with the help of a full-time ranch manager. Charlene has been a certified international alpaca show judge.

            In their limited free time Ed and Charlene they enjoy children and grandchildren, who live in Nevada and North Carolina. They also enjoy golf, playing tennis, fly-fishing, and collecting antique automobiles.

            When they reflect on why they have chosen to give so much to their community and to the University, the Friedman’s remember their favorite quote. ‘You can’t do anything about the length of your life, but you can do something about its width and depth.’”