Edward L. Simon attended Atlanta University and graduated from Clark College in 1933. He began his career with Atlanta Life in 1934 as an auditor, becoming chief auditor in1973. Simon began his term as board chairman after Norris Herndon’s death in 1977 and held the position until his own death in 1984. Outside of Atlanta Life, he served on the board of directors of Clark College as well as president of the alumni association of the college. He was also president of the National Insurance Association.