Rep. Barbara McIlvaine Smith (D-156, Chester) is a lifelong resident of Chester County whose family’s roots date back to 1683. McIlvaine Smith graduated from West Chester Henderson High School in 1968 and graduated summa cum laude from West Chester University in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

After receiving her degree, McIlvaine Smith taught fourth grade at Penn Wood Elementary and produced programs on her Native American heritage for the district’s Respecting Ethnic and Cultural Heritage workshops. She was also employed by Brandywine Valley Association Inc. as an environmental educator for students in grades K-8, and later worked as a baseline coordinator for the North American Land Trust.

McIlvaine Smith was a small-business owner, operating Brandywine Water Systems Inc., for more than 27 years. In 2001, she was elected to the West Chester Borough Council and served as vice president from 2004 to 2006. She has served as a member on several boards, including the; YWCA of Chester County; Peace Education Project Inc; Chester County Citizens Watch Inc.; West Chester Borough Residents’ Association Inc.; West Chester Downtown Foundation Inc.; Chester County Flower Show; and Chester County Day.

In addition, McIlvaine Smith is a member of TMACC (Transit Management Authority of Chester County); the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce; American Association of University Women; West Chester Alumni Association; Sierra Club; West Chester Fish, Game and Wildlife; West Goshen Lions Club; Chester County League of Women Voters; West Chester NAACP; National Organization for Women, Chester County branch; the National Women’s Political Caucus; and Chester County Historical Society. McIlvaine Smith is an enrolled tribal member of the federally recognized Sac and Fox Nation of Oklahoma.

McIlvaine Smith was married to her late husband, Robert, for 35 years. They have a grown son and daughter, and one granddaughter.