About Us

Gary A. Edwards – President
Assisting our clients and callers since 1979

Gary attended Eastern Connecticut State University for two years (1969-1971), before transferring to Bryant University where he completed his 4-year degree. After graduating from college, he voluntarily enlisted in the United States Navy, in which he served active duty from (’74-’80). During his six years of service he earned the rank of Lieutenant, serving as a Combat Information Center Officer and Navigator.

In 1980 Gary stepped down from his military service. That same year marked the start of his tenure in the answering service industry. As company Vice President, he worked under his mother, and company founder, Betty Ruth Edwards from (’80-’84). Shortly thereafter Gary opened his own answering service office in Milford, CT. This move was pivotal in the expansion of the family business.

Gary ran the southern Connecticut office from (’84-’96), in the process, he bought out another answering service in Guilford, CT. Rapid company growth and success, coupled with technology advancements afforded the ability to merge his Milford office with his mother’s Vernon office, making one large answering service that still operates to this day.

After the merge, Gary was declared company President, putting him in full control of the business. Since that time he has continued to evolve alongside an ever-changing industry. His consistent work ethic and dedication have been key in keeping Edwards Answering Service a front-runner in the telecommunication world.

AT A GLANCE:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Management
• Founder and past President of TUNe (Telecommunications Users Network)
• Level 1 certified Telescan technician
• Past President of The Connecticut Tele-Messaging Association
• Past President of ASTA (Atlantic States Telephone Answering Association)
• Former Member of the Board of Directors of ASTI (Association of Teleservices International)

Charity West – Account Manager
Assisting our clients and callers since 1992

Charity began her answering service career in May ’92. She knows our operations system inside and out, making her our company’s most valuable asset to our clients. Charity is responsible for all account setup and programming aspects of the business. Beginning on a client’s start-date, Charity is and remains the main point of contact for any amendments to the account. In addition to her client account management, Charity is responsible for our company’s pay-roll and business expenses. Charity’s ability to multitask and execute effectively under pressure plays a large role in the success of our business and satisfaction of our client base.

Tammy Cosper – Office and Human Resources Manager
Assisting our clients and callers since 1995

Tammy began her answering service career in June ’95. She is known as the “Edwards Mom,” and is the glue that holds everything together. Tammy is responsible for all the billing aspects of the business. In addition to her accounts receivable duties, she is also in charge of the company’s new hires. Every potential employee is put through a series of tests and Tammy is the person who decides whether or not they qualify for the job. Her ability to work on a positive level with coworkers, clients and customers has been and remains to be a pivotal part in the success of our company.

Sue Kidder- Client Relations and Sales Manager
Assisting our clients and callers since 2011

Sue started her career at Edwards Answering Service as a part time operator and dispatcher and worked her way up to operations supervisor. She was promoted to Client Relations and Sales Manager in the spring of 2017. She works side by side with Charity, our account manager, to ensure our new client accounts are set up accurately and efficiently. Sue’s experience working in our operations department gives her the insight to anticipate and address the needs of our new clients. In addition, she is responsible for operator training on all new accounts and works closely with all Edwards’ team members to assist our clients with account changes and customer service needs.

Operations Shift Supervisors

At least one of our Edwards’ shift supervisors are on duty at all times to lead our operations team.

This incredibly dedicated and talented group’s commitment to assisting our clients and their callers 24/7 plays a vital role in the success of our company.

Alice – Assisting our clients and callers since 2004
Donna – Assisting our clients and callers since 2004
Heather D. – Assisting our clients and callers since 2008
Heather M. – Assisting our clients and callers since 2009
Mary – Assisting our clients and callers since 2013
Alexa – Assisting our clients and callers since 2014
Kandi – Assisting our clients and callers since 2014
Laurie – Assisting our clients and callers since 2017