Member Highlight 2026

  Born in Tuscaloosa, AL, in 1959, Ann grew up in a log cabin in the woods, overlooking a lake. Her parents were professors at the University of Alabama so, of course, she attended Bama, earning a degree in physics. After earning a commission in the Air Force (AF) in 1982, she went to Texas A&M for a year of training to be a weather officer.

Ann remained a weather officer for her entire 28-year career, finally retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 2011. The first 12 years were on Active Duty, when she met Steve Smith in Germany, marrying in 1987. An assignment to Utah State for graduate school and a joint assignment to southern California at Los Angeles AFB, then they moved to Davis-Monthan and Tucson. After Steve retired as an AF Major in Tucson, Ann joined the AF Reserves for part-time duty and began deploying: Saudi Arabia, Norfolk NAS, and twice to Bosnia-i-Herzegovina. She then volunteered for a two-year full-time assignment at Davis-Monthan. This was followed by part-time duty in the Washington Air National Guard for 10 years, including seven years as commander of the 116th Weather Flight. The deployments continued with support to the aftermath of the attack on 9/11, Iraq, Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, Kosovo, Peterson AFB, and Germany.

After retiring in Jan 2011, Ann became involved with local politics and veterans’ groups, to include the Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery Foundation, Marana. During covid, she restarted donating platelets through the Red Cross. She and Steve share interests in history and environmental sciences (weather, caving, saguaros) while Steve also plays euphonium with the U of AZ Alumni band. They have two sons who teach at Saguaro High, a Scottie, and a basset hound.

Ann’s direct involvement with politics started in 2012 when Martha McSally declared for a Congressional run and quickly turned into joining Tucson RW and the PCRC, eventually becoming a Precinct Committeeman in 2013 with terms as State Committeeman. She has held positions in TRW as well as AzFRW, LD 10, and LD 17. She also volunteered at the Pima County GOP HQ for about 4 years, getting to know many of the Pima County Republicans, and has become a regular observer in the tabulation room for county and city elections. These activities earned her the Art Wales Award from Pima County GOP and recognition as a veteran who continues to serve from Congressman Juan Ciscomani.

I was born and raised in San Diego, California. I just had fun growing up and didn’t know, or care, about politics. I remember my parents talking about the president, Mr. Truman, and I remember when Dwight Eisenhower was elected. That was when my dad had just come home from the war. 

When I voted for the first time, I really didn’t know anything about politics. But I really liked Jack Kennedy, so I voted for him. I really didn’t get interested in politics until I got older. 

I married young, had children, and later divorced. While living in Chino, California, I worked at General Dynamics, where I met my current husband Mike, who was in the Navy. We were married in 1983. I think I picked up some interest in politics after that but didn’t get active in it. 

Mike was transferred to a ship San Diego. While there, he injured his back and got put on limited duty and transferred back north to NAVPRO, the Naval office there at General Dynamics. He also made E9 while there. I got a job there again, actually working for GD instead of the Navy. He retired from the Navy in 1987, after 20 years, and went to work for General Dynamics. Shortly after, Hughes bought out GD and eventually moved the plant and us to Tucson. That was in 1994. 

When we first moved to Tucson, I was very lonely, because I didn’t know anyone. Hughes had the Hughes Wives Club where we met once a month at different wives’ homes. I met several other ladies through that club. I also got to go to many very nice homes all around Tucson. 

I really don’t remember who it was who introduced me to the republicans here in Tucson. The first club I joined was the Pima County Republican Women’s club. I eventually learned about TRW, and after visiting there, I joined them. It was a way to get involved and meet lots of Beautiful Republican Women! Then I was railroaded into being president of the club for a year, because no one else would run! Paralee and Ann Hollis promised to help me. Which they did. I never would have made it through that year if they hadn’t helped. 

Mike and I were originally in LD30, then LD10. We were urged to become PCs while we were supporting and working for Jesse Kelly when he was running for Congress. We continued as PCs for several years. Mike got very upset with all the infighting and quit being a PC. I continued to be a PC for a few more years. I went to two state meetings, and those were very interesting. I also got a chance to attend a NFRW bi-annual convention in Philadelphia, PA. Ann Hollis and I attended that together. We met Republican ladies from all over the nation. It was so much fun! 

I finally had to slow down a bit, as I have gotten older, and Mike has had many health issues. I still enjoy attending the TRW meetings fellowshipping with all you ladies. I just love how all the ladies work so hard to get republicans elected. And, there is so much love in our club!