Washtenaw County Representative

Alma Wheeler Smith has lived a life rich in service to her community – both as an elected representative and an advocate for the kind of public policy that unites communities and improves lives. She currently serves as chair of the University Bank Board of Directors and as a director on the boards of SOS Community Services, the Michigan Campaign Finance Network and the Legislative Retirement System. Growing up in a politically engaged family – her father, Albert H. Wheeler, was the first African American elected mayor in Ann Arbor – Smith served in the Michigan Legislature for 14 years, six in the House of Representatives and eight in the Senate. In both chambers, she served on the powerful Appropriations Committee. Her other elected positions have included Ann Arbor Cablecasting Commissioner, South Lyon Community Schools Board of Education Trustee and president and Washtenaw County Commissioner.

Smith earned a degree in journalism from the University of Michigan, where she also did advanced work in political science and business administration. Smith joined the RTA Board of Directors in 2014. She brings extensive knowledge of government operations and policy development as well as a passion for grassroots-level engagement and advocacy.