After serving on the Mountain Brook City Council and, among many other roles, as PTO president for Cherokee Bend Elementary School and on the staff of Sen. Richard Shelby, Graham Smith will start her new gig as mayor of Mountain Brook in November. We caught up with her to ask a few questions — and learn more about some Jewish ties…
LJCC: How did having a Jewish father and Episcopalian mother influence your upbringing?
GS: While I was raised Episcopalian, my parents’ differing religions allowed me to grow up with two rich spiritual and cultural traditions that helped shape my worldview. I saw firsthand that both faiths share common values — compassion, justice, and community — but express them in unique ways.
As a child (and sometimes without my own sentient knowledge), navigating two traditions required listening, bridging differences, and appreciating perspectives that may not always align but still have value. My hope is that my upbringing makes me more open-minded and respectful of others’ journeys, equipping me to build understanding across divides.
What was your first exposure to a Jewish Community Center?
Much like the Levite JCC’s role as a community center for all, I grew up attending birthday parties and gymnastics parties at the Sid Jacobson JCC in East Hills, Long Island. It was very much a community center for the entire town, and I remember it had one of the very first fitness centers! The whole town wanted to be ‘seen’ there.
In fact, one of my first jobs was working at the check-in counter for the fitness desk. I would work 6-10 pm, and to be honest I was often in trouble for attempting to do my homework or read while working my shift.
How did you end up in Mountain Brook?
I attended Washington and Lee University, and at that time there were a number of Mountain Brook students in my freshman class. I was the only person from my hometown to attend W&L, and I recall being mystified by this city that I’d never heard of that had sent so many students to the same small school. I also recall liking every single Mountain Brook student I met. They were of the highest caliber, kind, and all academically impressive. Not to mention I met my husband, Harrison, who also happened to be a “Brookie.” This community has a pull like no other!
How does being mayor of Mountain Brook differ from running other area suburbs?
Our residents expect (and, frankly, deserve) excellence in every form. Any matter one can think of — be it trash, infrastructure, safety, responsiveness — should be handled in an exemplary fashion. I take it as a matter of pride when another city calls me to ask how we wrote ordinance language or handled a particular issue. Our standards are extremely high, and while that can be challenging at times, it’s also motivating to keep striving for the best.
What do you anticipate will be the best thing about being mayor?
The honor and privilege of serving as an advocate and cheerleader for our community and region. There is so much going on locally that it’s truly an exciting time to live in Birmingham. Our local leaders are talking and interacting and developing relationships and partnerships at a level that has not been seen in a while.
Birmingham’s Jewish community has been described as “punching above its weight” as it supports multiple temples, the Chabad organization, the Levite JCC, the Birmingham Jewish Federation, Collat Jewish Family Services, the Alabama Holocaust Education Center, and more. What does this presence across the metro area mean for Mountain Brook?
I think it speaks to what it means for the entire region! Having a rich cultural landscape brings vitality to our communities. It strengthens identity and belonging while fostering empathy, collaboration, and respect across differences. In my opinion, having cultural depth sparks creativity and innovation, making our community as a whole more vibrant, adaptable, and attractive to others. It also enhances quality of life markers for our existing residents.
As mayor, what might you be able to do to attract a good Jewish deli to Mountain Brook?
I’ll put that on my economic development priority list! Actually, what I miss the most is how the best delis would put bowls of pickles and coleslaw on the tables. And those giant roast beef sandwiches with Russian dressing that my dad and I used to eat at the Carnegie Deli in New York City. I was sad when it closed.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Potato chips. Dipped straight into sour cream from the carton. In fact, I’m eating them now as I type 🙂 .
Dogs or cats?
I have one of each, but since I consider myself to be extremely honest… cats all the way! It intrigues me to never really know what they’re thinking.