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In 2022, Wanda Morrison made history by becoming the first female and first African-American mayor of the town of Kenbridge. On Election Day 2024, the nearly 1,200 residents of Kenbridge reinforced their belief in the job she has done in office as Morrison ran unopposed to enter her second term as Mayor of Kenbridge. 

“I pray that people have confidence in my ability to be a strong supporter of all the people in the Town of Kenbridge and have noticed the work done in the town over the last 2 years,” Morrison told the Dispatch. 

It wasn’t a close race either, with any kind of write-in campaign. Instead, Kenbridge residents said thank you, with 97.18% voting to see Morrison seated for another term. Morrison thanked the residents and said she’s happy to serve in the town she calls home. 

A Central High School graduate, Morrison moved from Kenbridge to Richmond following school to attend Virginia Commonwealth University where she went on to earn a Masters of Business Administration. No stranger to public service, Morrison spent 39 years in the U.S. Army Reserves and during that time, she also worked her way up from the mailroom to group vice president at SunTrust (now Truist) bank in Richmond. 

“I am driven by the people and my desire to serve. A desire to make a positive impact and contribute to a greater cause,” Morrison said. “I think I have a sense of purpose and passion for the work, people and challenges. Knowing that my hard work, passion and desire to serve will lead to something meaningful is what keeps me going.” 

Wanda Morrison makes an impact

Morrison said she returned to the area she grew up to retire with her Iraq War Veteran husband Ray, but her desire to serve led her to run for office in 2022. Though she ran unopposed in 2024, Morrison said that desire to make a positive impact will continue driving her as she seeks to help bring growth and opportunity to the Kenbridge area. 

“I think we have a charming little town where for the most part people work together to create inclusiveness in our community,” Morrison said. “As we move forward, I hope to see more people create business opportunities that the town council will be able to approve and assist in any way we can. I am thankful for those who are setting up business and housing opportunities in our community.”