Phillips Smith Peter

Phillips Smith Peter, a lawyer, lobbyist, and businessman, passed away at his home in Potomac, Maryland, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. He was 93.
He was known as a distinguished gentleman, an active listener, and impactful communicator. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, kindness, and quick- witted sense of humor.
Born in Washington, DC, and raised in Miami, Phil attended Staunton Military Academy before earning his Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia and the University of Virginia School of Law. Following his studies, he served for two years as an officer in the United States Army. His early legal career included a clerkship at Davis Polk in New York City and three years as an associate with McCutchen in San Francisco.
Phil's professional career was marked by leadership and influence during his thirty years at General Electric. During his twenty years as a Vice President, he led Corporate Government Relations, Corporate Business Development, and served as General Counsel of GE Credit. Phil's career was defined by legal governance and strategic growth, a dual expertise he leveraged while navigating the complexities of federal policy alongside Congress and the White House. He took delight in securing GE's long-term corporate sponsorship and underwriting of The McLaughlin Group, the syndicated political affairs program known for its raucous and spirited discourse.
Following his tenure at GE, he spent twenty years leading the government relations practice for Reed Smith, LLP.
Phil was a direct descendant of Robert Peter, the Scottish tobacco merchant and first Mayor of Georgetown (Washington, DC) In 1791, at the request of George Washington, Robert Peter was one of the original proprietors who surrendered large tracts of land to enable the formation of the District of Columbia.
Phil carried this legacy of civic contribution throughout his life, serving as Chairman of the Bryce Harlow Foundation, Vice President of the Federal City Council, and on the boards of the Economic Club, the Business-Government Relations Council, and the National Bank of Washington. He was also a Trustee of Howard University and served as President and board member of Tudor Place. A dedicated patron of the arts, Phil was active in his support of the National Gallery of Art, the Kennedy Center, and Tudor Place.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Anita Phillips Smith Peter and Edward Compston Peter, and his siblings, Nancy Peter Orth (husband, Jeff) and Lieutenant General Edward Compston Peter II (wife, Jean). He is survived by his wife, Jania Jayne Hutchins Peter; his son, Phillips Smith Peter, Jr. (wife, Leigh); his daughter, Jania Peter Helm (husband, Neal); his grandchildren, Phillips Peter, III (wife, Paige), Ty Peter, and Elle Peter; and his great-grandson, Dylan Peter. In accordance with his wishes, the family will host a private memorial service in his honor.