Jax State Alumna Ciara Smith Appointed as Anniston’s First African American and Youngest Mayor

06/24/2025

By Brett Buckner 

Ciara Smith is still adjusting to her new title—Mayor of Anniston. "If I'm being honest," she said, "I don't feel the full magnitude of it yet." On May 6, Smith made history as the city's first African American mayor, only the second woman to hold the office, and, at 26, its youngest ever. A proud Jax State alumna, she earned her Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Emergency Management in December 2023. 

Smith, who served as vice mayor for nearly five years, assumed the role when former mayor Jack Draper resigned on May 1 after eight years in office. As vice mayor, Smith was often called upon to step into the mayoral role when needed. "So, at this stage, I don't feel the difference because this is the work that I love to do," she said. "This is the work that I have been doing continuously." 

While Smith appreciates the milestones that her appointment represents for herself and those who came before her, she doesn't necessarily want it to define her time in office. "It's always important to take a step back and say, 'You know what, I was the one who shattered the glass ceiling, but there were some people who beat on it for me to get here,'" she said. "There are people who did not make it to this point. So, I want to acknowledge that, yes, I am a woman, and yes, I'm the youngest, but I am also extremely knowledgeable and extremely qualified. It's an honorable feeling, but there's also the feeling that this is what I'm supposed to be doing." 

Friend and colleague Gloria Floyd, Calhoun County's first African American female attorney before joining Jax State as University Counsel and Title IX coordinator, administered the oath of office during Smith's swearing-in ceremony. "That moment was profoundly moving, as it illuminated the remarkable impact she has on her community and the immense trust she placed in me to share in such a significant chapter of her journey," said Floyd, who worked in the Calhoun County Attorney’s Office for 17 years, the last seven as the County’s Attorney. "It was a testament to her belief in the strength of collective support and the meaningful connections she fosters within her leadership." 

Floyd believes Smith's passion for politics comes from a genuine desire to serve and uplift others. Smith's upbringing and personal experiences have also played a significant role in shaping her commitment to justice, equity, and progress. 

"She has a servant's heart - always ready and willing to help others," Floyd said. "She has always deeply connected with to the Anniston community, and her work reflects her belief in the power of collective action. I think she sees politics as a tool to create opportunities and better lives, which drives her dedication every day." 

With the mayoral elections in August, Floyd knows Smith will make the most of the time she has. "She has a remarkable ability to identify key issues and act decisively," she said. "I believe she will focus on addressing immediate concerns while also laying the groundwork for long-term improvements. Her determination and resilience will undoubtedly shine through, even in this brief period." 

Speaking of the election, Smith has announced she will run to retain the office. "Yes, 100 percent," she said. "I have learned that if God has given me an opportunity, then I'm going to rise to the occasion every time." 

And with her experience as vice mayor, Smith believes she's the best candidate for the job, even if she admits to having more to learn. "I don't know the answers to everything," she said. "I won't position myself to say that I'm going to absolutely make Anniston the most perfect city because that's impossible. I am saying that I'm committed to the growth and transformation of this city, and as the city transforms. That's the commitment I've made." 

Born advocate 

Raised by her grandmother, Gertrude Nettles, Smith remembers being as young as five and attending Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) meetings. Evenings were spent at the 17th Street Baptist Church, listening to Deborah Foster, the first African American female city councilor, or Mary Harrington, who currently serves on the Anniston City School Board. Growing up, Smith was taught to stick up for others, advocate for people, and be willing to see situations beyond her own perspective. "Some people are nurtured by their environment, and then some people are just born the way they are," she said. "And I'll be honest, I feel like this is who I am."  

Smith can't remember a time in her life when she wasn't civically engaged. "And that's not necessarily about politics," she said. "It's just simply about caring about human interaction and human decency. I've just always been invested in wanting people to have a quality of life. That just so happens to be in the realm of politics. I want to be an example, and I want to help people." 

Smith's first job at 16 was in the City of Anniston's Financial Department. She graduated from Anniston High School in 2017 and is an alumna of Spelman College. During her freshman year of college, she campaigned for former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. In 2018, she was named a Forbes 30 under 30, which allowed her to travel to Boston for conferences with civic and industry leaders. At 19, Smith interned with the United States House of Representatives under Congressman Hank Johnson, who represented the 4th district of Georgia. In 2019, Johnson nominated her to join the Congressional Black Caucus Institute training boot camp in Washington, D.C., where she networked among some of the greatest political minds in the nation. This experience inspired Smith to return home and work for change in Anniston. 

Smith became the youngest elected official in Anniston's history in November 2020, when she became Council member of the 3rd ward. She was also named vice mayor – all by the age of 21.  

Smith knows that her age is apt to generate headlines, but she's earned every opportunity. "I don't think I've ever been given a platform," she said. "Everything I've had, I've had to fight 10 times harder for it." That drive stems from the lessons she was taught as a child. "I always knew I'd have to work twice as hard to get half as much," she said. "And that is a true, true, true statement. Even now, when I'm introduced as the mayor, people are like, 'You're the mayor? No way.' Or you have the comments of, 'You're so well-spoken, eloquent. You're smart.' It's an overwhelming thought for some people that we can have young, smart, educated individuals." 

Defying expectations is another driving force in Smith's life – both politically and personally. "I have always had to fight for my place, not just in this capacity, but my entire life," she said. "This has been a learning experience for me, and what I tell young people – all people, really - is, if you don't like something, and you don't like the way that it's headed, position yourself to make it better." 

As with most things, Smith was pragmatic when pursuing a graduate degree focused on emergency management at Jax State. Simply put, she wanted to know what to do if a worst-case scenario struck Anniston. "I have the political background," she said. "I have administrative experience. What I was missing was the knowledge surrounding how to manage this city in an emergency. It seemed like a good path to be aware of if, God forbid, something terrible happens. I want to be ready … for anything."