Early Life
Annette Morris Lerner was born in January 1930. She grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland, and was influenced by her adventurous father. She first landed a prop plane at age 12. She later worked at the State Department as a secretary, including taking dictation for Eleanor Roosevelt. She married Ted Lerner in 1951, and together they built a real estate empire.
Rise to Success
In 1952, Annette loaned her husband Ted Lerner $250, which became the seed money for Lerner Enterprises. Ted, with Annette's support, turned this small investment into one of the largest real estate companies in the Washington, D.C. area. Lerner Enterprises developed a large portfolio of office buildings, apartment complexes, and shopping malls. The company's success is attributed to Ted's business skills and Annette's support. The family's involvement in the Washington Nationals, which they acquired in 2006, further expanded their influence and cemented their place in the city's history.
Key Business Strategies
The Lerners focused on real estate development and management, building a diverse portfolio of properties. They emphasized quality, as seen in their award-winning real estate developments. The family took a long-term view in rebuilding the Washington Nationals, overhauling the minor league system, and developing the team into a competitive one.
Philanthropy
Annette and her family are committed to philanthropy through the Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Foundation. The foundation supports causes related to education and Judaism, including the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, George Washington University, and Hebrew University in Jerusalem. The family's philanthropic efforts also extend to the Washington Nationals, with initiatives like the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, which enriches the lives of children in underserved areas.
