City of Petersburg 2024 Candidates

Annette Smith-Lee

Annette Smith-Lee, a lifelong resident of Petersburg City, has dedicated her life to serving her community with unwavering commitment. Her roots run deep in Petersburg, where she was educated, from Westview Elementary to earning her MBA from Averett University after attending Virginia Commonwealth University to graduating from Virginia State University. Annette's professional journey includes significant contributions to the Defense Logistics Agency as a Business Financial Analyst and impactful years at Philip Morris USA before her retirement.

Beyond her professional achievements, Annette's heart and actions are firmly planted in community service and upliftment. As a respected member and former President and Vice-President of the Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she led the chapter initiatives that saw over 6,000 backpacks distributed to the children of Petersburg, a testament to her commitment to education and youth empowerment. Her leadership in this capacity was recognized regionally when she was honored as the 2017 President of the Year for the Mid-Atlantic Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and she received the Certificate of Achievement “Ya Done Good” award from Defense Logistics Agency signed by General Darrell K. Williams. She was named the Employee of the Month for Defense General Supply Center, Richmond, Virginia at the age of 26, and in 2023 she was in inducted into the Petersburg Athletics Hall of Fame.
Annette's passion for community work extends into her political roles, including her tenure as Vice-Mayor of Petersburg, where she focused on addressing crucial issues like utilities, education, and public safety.
Her dedication to civic engagement is evident in her efforts to mobilize voters and advocate for policy changes that benefit all citizens of Petersburg. She was a member of the Phillip Morris USA Grant Making Community Fund which she brought to the City of Petersburg over $180,000 to fund for community programs.
Her activism is further highlighted by her involvement in various community service projects. Annette's commitment to making a difference is unwavering, from coordinating efforts to provide meals to underserved communities during the COVID-19 pandemic to volunteering at the Hope Center. She has actively participated in youth activities, including sports league presidencies and educational support initiatives, ensuring that Petersburg's youth have opportunities for growth and development.

Annette also serves on the BabyBuns For Life Network Boards and The Robin's Nest Transitional Home, which reflect her commitment to supporting vulnerable populations in her community. Her efforts to improve the lives of Petersburg's residents are also evident in her annual Thanksgiving and Christmas service to the homeless at The Hope Center and her role in adopting and supporting local families in need.

Her civic engagements include membership in the Petersburg Chapter of The Links Inc., Petersburg Tri-Cities Continental Societies, Inc., the WHOP (We Help Other People) City, Inc., the Women's Committee of the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Delta Omega Chapter) Petersburg, Virginia showcasing her multifaceted approach to community service.

Annette Smith Lee embodies the spirit of service and unity, living by her motto: "I am…You Are…We are... PETERSBURG" Her life's work and missions are a beacon of hope and change, dedicated to the betterment of her beloved city and its residents. She is married to Bobby Lee and is dedicated to her family and friends.