Commissioner Violet Edwards is a successful businesswoman and public official with a proven record of leadership, fiscal responsibility, community development, and accountability. She was elected to office in 2020, becoming the first Black woman to serve on the commission in its 212-year history. Edwards is the architect of resolutions that have impacted veteran appreciation, county redistricting, neighborhood safety, and job opportunities. This year, she launched a $1.2M project to add sidewalks and upgrade handicap-accessible ramps in her district.
Violet grew up in the small town of Cordova, Alabama, and settled in Huntsville in 2002. She holds a bachelor's degree in communication from the University of Alabama and an MBA from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Prior to her election, Commissioner Edwards built a successful career in radio and TV news. Still, in 2008, she left the newsroom out of a desire to play an active part in serving the community and building opportunities for the people of Madison County. Her work in the community, for organizations like Christmas Charities Year-Round and the North Alabama Coalition for the Homeless, ignited a passion in Commissioner Edwards to impact things at the public policy level, and in 2019, she sought a seat on the commission.
During her first term as county commissioner, Violet's tenacity and dedication have forged great opportunities for her constituents. This includes partnerships with Calhoun Community College and Drake State, transportation support for D6 students' extracurricular activities, and a $65k homeless initiative. She has also led county-wide initiatives honoring veterans and the recognition of Juneteenth. Commissioner Edwards is committed to representing District 6 with integrity and principle.
Violet is married to Anthony Edwards of Selma, Alabama. Together, they have three beautiful children.
CURRENT SERVICE & LEADERSHIP
Girls Inc., - Board Member
Academy of Academics and Arts Band and Choir Association - President
Calhoun Community College Co-Op Advisory Board - Member
SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP
President, North Alabama Coalition for the Homeless
Chartering President, Madison County Chapter of Mocha Moms Inc. November
Basketball Coach, YMCA of North Alabama
Member, United Way Executive Directors Association | 2008-2011
Alumna, Leadership Huntsville/Madison County – Connect Class 14; Flagship Class 36
Alumna, United Way of Madison County - Leadership Social Services Class 4
Local Coordinator, Council on International Educational Exchange
2nd Vice-President, Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, Inc.
Staff Advisor, UAH Ladies in Action
Affiliations
Association of County Commissions Alabama; Legislative Committee, Minority Steering Committee
Madison County Democratic Executive Committee – District 6
Alabama State Democratic Executive Committee – District 53
Huntsville Metro Black Chamber of Commerce
HONORS AND AWARDS
Alumni of Achievement Award-The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Community Hero Award-Oakwood University
Building Bridges Award-National Organization of black Law Enforcement Executives, Alabama Chapter
Women Initiative Pillar Award-National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Huntsville Chapter
Young Professional of the Year Finalist, Chamber of Commerce of HSV/Madison County
Alabama Black Achievers Award in Non-profit
Employee of the Year, WAAY-TV 31
Best Spot News, Alabama Associated Press
Best Feature Honorable Mention, Arkansas Associated Press
