Annette M. Lerner is the matriarch of the Lerner family, a philanthropic leader, and a core member of the dynasty that founded Lerner Enterprises—the largest private landowner in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Born Annette M. Klinger, her life story is inextricably linked to that of her late husband, Theodore 'Ted' Lerner (1925–2023), who built his real estate empire from humble beginnings.

Annette’s foundational contribution began in 1952 when Ted Lerner borrowed a mere $250 from his wife to found Lerner Enterprises. This small loan was the seed capital for an empire that would shape the commercial and residential landscape of the D.C. area for over 70 years. While Ted focused on land acquisition and development, Annette provided the moral and foundational support, often preferring to remain anonymous despite the colossal success of the family business. She later became a pivotal figure in the family's extensive philanthropic and civic commitments.

Annette Lerner’s career is defined by her deep involvement in the family's core ventures: real estate and sports. Lerner Enterprises built iconic developments like Tysons Corner Center and Wheaton Plaza, transforming former farmlands into major commercial and residential hubs. Annette provided the steady foundation for this highly ambitious development strategy, which made the family the biggest private landlord in the region.

The family's most famous acquisition came in 2006 when Ted Lerner led the purchase of the Washington Nationals Major League Baseball (MLB) team for $450 million. This was more than a business deal; Ted viewed it as a necessary civic act for D.C., a city he felt deserved a great baseball team. Annette, along with her children (Mark, Debra, and Marla), became a managing principal of the family business, ensuring the continuation of the dynasty's control over both the real estate empire and the World Series-winning baseball franchise. Upon Ted's retirement and subsequent passing, the family, including Annette, remained the majority owner, controlling over 90% of the shares.

Annette Lerner is a highly dedicated and systematic philanthropist, channeling her efforts through The Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Foundation. Their giving is massive, with a special emphasis on Judaism, education, and public service.

The Lerners are founding members of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., a commitment rooted in the family’s heritage. They are major supporters of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and The George Washington University Law School. Through the Washington Nationals, they founded the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, a year-round program that provides education and opportunity for children in underserved D.C. areas. This deep commitment to civic and cultural institutions ensures a powerful and lasting social legacy in the capital region.

Annette Lerner projects the elegant, classic style of a prominent, multi-generational East Coast dynastic matriarch. Her attire is consistently refined, choosing high-quality, timeless designer pieces suitable for both private family gatherings and high-profile civic events. Her aesthetic is one of quiet, established wealth, reflective of the family's decades-long stability.

Her lifestyle is anchored in the Washington D.C. metro area, with the family home in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Her luxury is the security of massive, tangible real estate holdings and the civic pride of owning the World Series-winning Nationals. Her greatest indulgence is the ability to direct immense philanthropic capital, particularly toward institutions like the Holocaust Memorial Museum, ensuring a legacy of social contribution and cultural memory.