Councilman John H. Edwards has been a proud Town of Islip resident for more than 35 years, a dedicated civic leader and successful attorney. After graduating from Islip High School, Councilman Edwards received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Boston College. Prior to attending law school, Edwards worked in the construction industry. While attending law school at night, he managed large scale construction projects in New York City and Long Island. In 1993, he earned his law degree from St. John's University School of Law. Councilman Edwards is a practicing attorney with an office in East Islip, and is a member of the Suffolk County and New York State Bar Associations. In addition, he is a former member of the Suffolk County Ethics Commission.

Councilman Edwards is an active volunteer for numerous non-profit and civic organizations. He is a member of the Board of Managers of the Great South Bay YMCA; a founder and trustee of Islip Children's Endowment, a non-profit organization that raises funds to support programs for Islip schools; and a coach and officer of the East Islip Soccer Club. In 2007, he was the recipient of the club's Distinguished Service Award. In addition, Councilman Edwards is a member of the Islip School District's Excel Committee, a program that benefits advanced and gifted students. The committee's mission is to develop and improve the program's curriculum.

Councilman Edwards was married in 1989 to Mary Jane; they have two smart, beautiful daughters.