Commending John Edwards.

Commending John Edwards.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 9, 2026
WHEREAS, John Edwards, an esteemed civil servant who has admirably served a number of localities in the Commonwealth, will retire from his position as town manager of the Town of West Point in June 2026; and
WHEREAS, after earning a bachelor's degree in governmental administration from Christopher Newport University in 1994 and a master's degree in urban and regional planning at Virginia Commonwealth University two years later, John Edwards took a position with the Isle of Wight County Department of Planning and Zoning as a planner and GIS coordinator; and
WHEREAS, shortly thereafter, John Edwards joined the City of Newport News Department of Planning and Development as a district planner and was promoted to senior district planner the following year; and
WHEREAS, John Edwards subsequently held a series of distinguished government roles, including senior project coordinator for the City of Newport News Department of Development, manager of development plan review for the City of Newport News Department of Engineering, and assistant county administrator for the Surry County Administrator's Office; and
WHEREAS, John Edwards was hired as the town manager of the Town of West Point in 2011 and has devoted the past 15 years to the effective and efficient operation and management of the town for the benefit of its residents and visitors; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure as town manager, John Edwards spearheaded several programs and initiatives to encourage economic development and enhance the quality of life in West Point; and
WHEREAS, from 1989 to 2003, John Edwards served with the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department, acquiring valuable experience that would facilitate his efforts when he was appointed the Town of West Point's first emergency medical services coordinator in 2022; and
WHEREAS, with an unwavering commitment to the citizens and community he served, John Edwards has helped to make West Point a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That John Edwards hereby be commended for his distinguished service as town manager of the Town of West Point; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to John Edwards as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for his contributions to West Point and the Commonwealth and best wishes for a joyful and fulfilling retirement.