Mayor Sharetta Smith is the 59th Mayor of Lima—and the first woman and first African American elected to lead the city. A proud daughter of Lima’s south side and a Perry High School graduate, Mayor Smith brings a bold, people-centered agenda focused on safe and livable neighborhoods, economic opportunity, youth engagement, and quality, affordable housing.

Her career spans public defense, six terms as a magistrate judge, and service as Chief of Staff to former Mayor David Berger, where she led major city initiatives—including the designation of federal Opportunity Zones, creation of the Lima Housing Task Force, and expansion of youth programming and technology infrastructure.

Since taking office, Mayor Smith has prioritized inclusive, transparent government and has championed initiatives to increase homeownership, support small businesses, and address public safety through prevention, intervention, and enforcement. She is committed to ensuring every resident has a voice in shaping Lima’s future.

Mayor Smith holds degrees from the University of Toledo, Ohio Northern University College of Law, and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. A Leadership Ohio and Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership alum, she represents the kind of experienced, visionary leadership The Matriots are proud to endorse.