For Immediate Release: June 13, 2023
Alexandria City Attorney Joanna C. Anderson announced her plan to retire by the end of 2023 to City Council at their Legislative Meeting this evening.
“I want to thank the current and former Mayors, Members of City Council, City Managers and City staff who I have had the honor and privilege to work with, and for, during my years with the City. This work has been the highlight of my career and I am thankful for the opportunity I have had to do great work, with great people, for a great organization. I am leaving with both a sense of accomplishment and a sense of excitement for this next stage of my life.”
Mayor Justin Wilson said, “I want to thank Joanna for her years of service to the City. Her keen legal mind and commitment to our community have been critical to our efforts to navigate numerous challenges, and opportunities, we have faced as a City. From operating as a public body during a pandemic to implementing collective bargaining for our employees, we would not have been as successful as a body, or as a City, without her legal advice. We wish Joanna and her husband, John, all the best in this new phase of their life.”
“It has been a pleasure to work closely with Joanna on many important projects and initiatives throughout our City,” said City Manager Jim Parajon. “Joanna has provided critical legal counsel to City Council and City staff on major infrastructure projects, interpretation of the City’s zoning ordinance, processing of development applications, small area planning, and numerous major citywide initiatives. She has skillfully developed and led the legal team in our City Attorney’s Office and has ensured this group represents our community’s interests effectively and professionally.”
The Alexandria City Council unanimously appointed Joanna C. Anderson as City Attorney on October 23, 2018, having previously served as Acting City Attorney. Anderson first joined the City Attorney’s Office in 2001 as a Law Clerk, later serving as an Assistant City Attorney from 2003 to 2005 and 2010 to 2016, and Chief Deputy City Attorney from 2016 to 2018. She practiced law at an area firm from 2005 to 2010.
Since the City Attorney reports directly to City Council, the process for choosing a successor will be coordinated and carried out by City Council. This process and timeline will be defined and announced in the next several weeks. Anderson will remain in her current position until a successor is identified and hired.
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This news release is available at alexandriava.gov/go/4685
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About the City of Alexandria
Founded in 1749, the City of Alexandria is a full-service, independent, city in Virginia with a AAA/aaa credit rating and a national reputation for progressive and responsible government. With a fast-paced business environment and walkable neighborhoods, Alexandria is a world-class destination where businesses and nonprofits choose to call home. Alexandria’s ample office space and urban amenities offer room to grow – a value unmatched in the region. Located minutes from the nation’s capital, Alexandria’s old-world charm and cutting-edge innovation are the perfect mix for attracting a diverse community, talented workforce, and enthusiastic visitors.