Ira Edwards

Ira Edwards

Sheriff Ira Edwards, Jr. (Ret.), was born in Dublin, Ga., and attended the University of Georgia, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a focus in Criminal Studies. He received his Master's degree in Public Administration from Columbus State University, where he was inducted into the Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society, graduating with honors. He is a graduate of the National Sheriff’s Institute, where he was nominated as class president. He is also a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy Session 239 and the FBI Leadership Executive Development Program Session 71.

Sheriff Edwards is the first African-American elected in the history of Clarke County and the first to win a county-wide election as a constitutional officer. He has served in law enforcement for 35 years, including 20 years as Sheriff of Clarke County.

Sheriff Edwards currently has a private consultant business and is an adjunct instructor for Athens Technical College, where he is committed to educating our youth to succeed in life. He currently serves on the executive board for FBI LEEDA, where he was past president, and works part time for IXP Corporation. He is also a board member for the Athens Tutorial Program in Athens-Clarke County, Ga.

Sheriff Edwards is an ordained minister and has been married to his lovely wife, Teresa Pearson Edwards, for 40 years. He and Teresa have three adult children – Lamar, Brandon and Jasmine – and a granddaughter, Jaida. His motto is “service above self.”