Anna Roberts-Smith
About Me
I am proud to be born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, in a family that has long valued the importance of education. Three of my four grandparents attended college, my mother is a retired educator and my father was an architect who designed many public schools. My sister, a PhD psychologist, currently resides in Columbus, OH.
I graduated as Valedictorian from both Leestown Junior High School and Paul Laurence Dunbar High School (1992). As a Governor’s Scholar and a participant in the Honors Program at the University of Kentucky, I completed my undergraduate degree with Honors in just three and a half years. I also obtained my law degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law.
While at the University of Kentucky College of Law, I interned at the Fayette County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, where I discovered my passion for prosecution. Upon graduation, I accepted a position with the newly elected Jessamine County Attorney, Hon. Brian Goettl, in Nicholasville, a community I have been a part of since 1999. I have built my legal career in Jessamine County, where my husband and I have raised our two sons, built our forever home, and watched both children embark on their collegiate journeys. My older son plays baseball for the University of Kentucky, while my younger son attends Vanderbilt University. My husband and I take great pride in their achievements and look forward to their future endeavors.
Why Should You Vote for Me?
I am a dedicated public servant with over two decades of legal experience, committed to fairness, integrity, and service. As a seasoned prosecutor, I have built a reputation for being both just and consistent—approaching each case with an open mind while ensuring accountability under the law. Throughout my career, I have remained accessible to the public, the courts, and law enforcement, always ready to assist in any capacity necessary. Serving this community and leading my team is both a privilege and a responsibility that I hold in the highest regard.
With over 20 years of experience in the very office I seek, I have the leadership and expertise to serve as Jessamine County Attorney from day one. As the First Assistant County Attorney, I have fulfilled the duties of County Attorney in the absence of the Hon. Brian Goettl, provided counsel to the Judge-Executive, attended Fiscal Court meetings, and served in a supervisory role for over 18 years. My deep understanding of the legal system, combined with my extensive prosecutorial and administrative experience, ensures that I am fully prepared to lead this office effectively.
Living and working in Jessamine County has given me firsthand insight into the challenges and needs of our growing community. I am deeply committed to ensuring that our justice system serves the best interests of our citizens. I believe in fostering a team-oriented office dedicated to public service, and I prioritize clear communication, transparency, and education on legal matters. I am principled, determined, and unwavering in my commitment to upholding the law and serving this community with fairness and integrity. My work ethic, experience, and proven track record make me the right choice to be your next Jessamine County Attorney.
Why Should You Vote for Me?
I am a dedicated public servant with over two decades of legal experience, committed to fairness, integrity, and service. As a seasoned prosecutor, I have built a reputation for being both just and consistent—approaching each case with an open mind while ensuring accountability under the law. Throughout my career, I have remained accessible to the public, the courts, and law enforcement, always ready to assist in any capacity necessary. Serving this community and leading my team is both a privilege and a responsibility that I hold in the highest regard.
With over 20 years of experience in the very office I seek, I have the leadership and expertise to serve as Jessamine County Attorney from day one. As the First Assistant County Attorney, I have fulfilled the duties of County Attorney in the absence of the Hon. Brian Goettl, provided counsel to the Judge-Executive, attended Fiscal Court meetings, and served in a supervisory role for over 18 years. My deep understanding of the legal system, combined with my extensive prosecutorial and administrative experience, ensures that I am fully prepared to lead this office effectively.
Living and working in Jessamine County has given me firsthand insight into the challenges and needs of our growing community. I am deeply committed to ensuring that our justice system serves the best interests of our citizens. I believe in fostering a team-oriented office dedicated to public service, and I prioritize clear communication, transparency, and education on legal matters. I am principled, determined, and unwavering in my commitment to upholding the law and serving this community with fairness and integrity. My work ethic, experience, and proven track record make me the right choice to be your next Jessamine County Attorney.
Anna Roberts-Smith
Professionally, I remain committed to continuous learning and growth. Early in my career, I participated in Leadership Jessamine County to better understand my community and the people within it. I also attended the Kentucky Prosecutor’s Institute to refine my courtroom skills. After just two years as a prosecutor, I was promoted to Director of the Criminal Prosecution Division, and in 2007, I became the First Assistant Jessamine County Attorney.
In 2008, the Kentucky County Attorney’s Association recognized me as the “Assistant County Attorney of the Year,” largely due to the programs I initiated within the Jessamine County Attorney’s Office (JCAO). One such program was the “Student Driver Diversion Program,” which allowed high school students to earn a dismissal of minor traffic charges upon completion of a diversion program. This program remains operational today. Additionally, I launched a law enforcement training program, in which I provided annual or on-demand training for local law enforcement officers on courtroom testimony, investigations, and law updates. This initiative fosters improved communication between law enforcement and the JCAO, an effort that continues today.
Throughout my career, I have been honored to speak to various groups both locally and statewide. In 2011, I was invited to speak at an American Bar Association conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, where I discussed the role of diversion in the criminal justice system. In 2014, I served as an instructor at the Kentucky Animal Control Conference, training animal control officers on animal cruelty investigations and prosecutions. In 2015, I argued and won a published opinion at the Kentucky Supreme Court in the case Commonwealth v. Adrian Parrish, 471 S.W.3d 694 (2015). In 2022, I contributed to the development of the shared parenting worksheet for the Division of Child Support, which is now used statewide. I have enjoyed speaking at JCTC and leading discussions on “Girl Power” topics within the legal community. In 2023, I was honored to speak at the Power of Women Conference hosted by Jessamine County Schools.
As I look to the future of the Jessamine County Attorney’s Office, my primary focus will be to continue fostering a justice system that is both fair and efficient while ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of our community. I am committed to building on the foundation of innovation and service that has already been established within the office.
I support the increasing need to address mental health and substance abuse issues. Going forward, I plan to explore partnerships with mental health professionals, social services, and other community resources to ensure that individuals who encounter the Jessamine County Attorney’s Office receive the comprehensive care and support they need within its resources.
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I am committed to ensuring that the Jessamine County Attorney’s Office remains transparent and accessible to the community. My goal is to continue advocating for a justice system that is inclusive, where all individuals—victims, defendants, and law enforcement—feel heard, respected, and supported.
By focusing on innovation, community collaboration, and the fair administration of justice, I believe we can continue to serve our residents and uphold the values of integrity and excellence that have always defined this office.