Anita Edmondson was appointed by the Poway City Council at the July 18 council meeting to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of former Councilmember Barry Leonard. Edmondson’s appointment is through the November 2024 election.
“It’s truly an honor to fill the remainder of Barry Leonard’s term,” Edmondson said. “He left an exceptional template for how to serve as a councilmember and a representative for District 2 residents.”
Edmondson said that she will tap into her collective experience as a long-time resident, volunteer and leader in the community. Edmondson currently serves as the vice president of the Green Valley Civic Association (GVCA) and is on the board of directors for the Poway Unified School District Foundation. She is a member of the Poway Chamber of Commerce and served as the board of directors’ chairperson from 2019 to 2020.
She is a marketing communications professional and content coordinator for Poway Living magazine, a monthly publication focusing on north Poway neighborhoods. Her role includes interviewing families, business owners and nonprofit leaders, and sharing their stories with readers each month.
“This unique opportunity has given me an even greater appreciation for the experience, viewpoints, and values of local residents, particularly in District 2,” she said. “It has affirmed a shared belief that Poway truly is a special place.”
Edmondson graduated cum laude from the University of Dayton (Ohio) with a bachelor’s degree in communication management, and minors in English, marketing and psychology. Edmondson has lived in Poway for 24 years and she and her husband raised their two grown children here.
Edmondson was among eight residents of District 2 applying for the council position. All candidates, as part of the application process, signed a declaration to serve in an interim basis until the November 2024 election. Edmondson will be sworn in at the Tuesday, August 1 Poway City Council meeting.