Dr. Joseph Foley was officially sworn in as Salem’s newest City Council member Monday evening before the council’s Sept. 28 meeting.
Foley took the oath of office administered by Circuit Court Judge Chris Clemens.
Foley was unanimously appointed by City Council on Sept. 21 to fill the vacancy created by the death of Councilman John Saunders. The council considered 13 applicants before selecting Foley during a closed session.
Foley will serve until a special election in November 2027, when voters will choose someone to complete the remainder of Saunders’ term, which expires Dec. 31, 2028.
A Salem resident and chiropractor, Foley has operated his practice in the city since 1990. He attended East Carolina University and earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life Chiropractic College. Since 2017, he also has served as Roanoke College’s team chiropractor for athletics.
Foley said he was honored to be selected and has long been committed to serving the community.
“I care deeply about Salem,” Foley said. “Giving back and being engaged are very important to me. I am humbled and honored to have been chosen for this position.”
The appointment marks Foley’s first service on an official governing body, although he has held organizational leadership positions for more than 35 years. He also has introduced legislation at the Virginia General Assembly and worked with legislators, lobbyists and political action groups.
Foley previously said he had regularly attended City Council and Planning Commission meetings and believed that experience gave him an understanding of the city’s policies and processes.
Mayor Renée Turk said Foley’s attendance at council meetings had given him familiarity with the city’s governing process.
“Honestly, I am not sure he has missed a single council meeting in the past five years,” Turk said.
Foley fills the seat previously held by Saunders, who died Aug. 22 at age 66. Saunders first served on City Council from 2018 through 2022 and began his most recent term Jan. 1, 2025. His term was scheduled to expire Dec. 31, 2028.
Turk previously reflected on Saunders’ service to Salem following Foley’s appointment.
“It was an honor to serve with John Saunders, and we all greatly appreciate his service to the city,” Turk said. “We remain saddened that we had to go through this process, but I know John would be as proud as we are that this many citizens were willing to give of their time and talents to serve Salem. All of council is appreciative of those who applied.”
-The Salem Times-Register
