Early Life
Annette Morris Lerner was born on an unspecified date and raised in Northwest Washington D.C. She is the widow of Ted Lerner, who died in February 2023. She has three children: Mark D. Lerner, Debra Lerner Cohen, and Marla Lerner Tanenbaum.
Rise to Success
Annette Lerner's pivotal moment came in 1952 when she lent her husband, Ted Lerner, $250 to start a real estate company. This small loan was the seed for Lerner Enterprises, which grew into one of the largest private real estate development companies in the Washington, D.C. area. Ted Lerner, with Annette's support, developed a significant portfolio of office buildings, apartment complexes, shopping malls, and hotels.
Key Business Strategies
The success of Lerner Enterprises can be attributed to a combination of factors, including Ted Lerner's business acumen and Annette's support. The company focused on strategic real estate acquisitions and developments in the Washington, D.C. area, becoming a cornerstone of the region's real estate market. The family's business strategy also included the acquisition of the Washington Nationals baseball team in 2006, which has brought pride and excitement to the community.
Philanthropy
Annette and her family are known for their philanthropic endeavors, primarily through the Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Foundation. They support causes such as children's health, education, and the arts. Notable donations have been made to Children's National Hospital in D.C., George Washington University, and Hebrew University in Jerusalem.