Meet Deanna
“I ran for City Council in 2017 to represent those voices that were not at the table. I wanted to be that voice for women, the voice for people of color. The voice for Harrisonburg.”
Leading with purpose.
Mayor Deanna Reed is a dedicated public servant known for her unwavering commitment to the community.
Mayor Deanna (Dee-na) Reed was sworn into office for Harrisonburg City Council on January 3, 2017, and then selected by her fellow council members as mayor. Becoming mayor (of her hometown) in Harrisonburg made her the first African American female mayor in Harrisonburg’s history.
Mayor Reed currently serves as the Regional Advancement Director for Eastern Mennonite University. Beyond her leadership and achievements, Mayor Reed is a 2021 graduate of the White-Riley-Peterson Policy Fellowship of Furman University. In addition, she has a Bachelor of Education degree and a Master of Education Curriculum & Instruction degree from Liberty University.
She has been a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated for 37 years. She is the primary advisor for the Iota Alpha Chapter of James Madison University. Recently, Mayor Reed received the 2022 Citizen of the Year Award from The XI IOTA Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Incorporated. In addition, she was recognized by the Virginia Library of Congress as one of the Strong Men and Strong Women of Virginia History. And Mayor Reed was featured in Essence Magazine on the top 100 WOKE list.
Mayor Reed continues to hold numerous offices within several communities. She serves as the Chair of the Virginia Municipal League Legislative Committee and the President of the Virginia Transit Association. She serves on the Advisory Board for Civic Engagement for James Madison University. The Department of Social Services Advisory Board and the Parks and Recreation Commission for Harrisonburg. She is an honorary American Association of University Women (AAUW) member.
Mayor Reed remains passionate about enriching the lives of youth in her community.
The early years…
Born and raised in Harrisonburg, Deanna is dedicated to serving the people of our great city. As the Mayor of Harrisonburg, Deanna's deep roots in the Valley give her a unique understanding of the needs and aspirations of the city’s residents. Her passion for improving the lives of those around her shines through her leadership.
10 year old Deanna with her great grandmother, grandmother, and mother.
Deanna’s grandmother, Carmelita Bundy; aunt Doris Harper Allen, great grandmother, Julia Howard and aunt Julia Bundy.
