About me
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.
