Ann Taaffe was born and reared in Winston-Salem, NC. She graduated from Duke University with a degree in History and was a teacher in Charlotte and a Peace Corps Volunteer in Iran. For the last 26 years, she has been an investment consultant.

Twenty-four years ago, Ann moved to Cherokee County. She has worked with many community organizations and was an early board member at REACH, Inc. Currently, Ann is a board member with Cherokee/Clay Houseraising Volunteers and with the John C. Campbell Folk School. She is a member of the Episcopal Church of the Messiah, a wife of 39 years, the mother of 3 grown children and the grandmother of one.