Linda Smith |

Program Coordinator 

Linda Smith, a Henderson County native, has over 40 years of experience in education and nonprofit work and has dedicated her career to empowering children and building a strong workforce. Her journey includes 21 years as a Career Exploration teacher followed by leadership roles in Career and Technical Education of Union County Public Schools and the Union County JobReady Partnership. Linda recently retired from Alliance for Children as Executive Director, where she focused efforts on preparing young children for success by advocating for and investing in their health, education, and emotional development.  While there, she served on the state level Executive Director Design Team as well as the Carolina Collaborative for Early Childhood Innovation.

A dedicated community leader, Linda is an active member of the Union County Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Task Force, Chamber Leadership Union Alumni, and Chamber Women in Business.  She has served in various roles of Monroe Rotary Club and remains a Rotarian.  At Lee Park Church, Linda contributes to the Care Team and is a Women’s Ministry teacher.  Whether in the kitchen baking bread or at the pond fishing, Linda enjoys spending time with her husband, their children, and grandchildren.

Linda desires to serve the UDI community and beyond with heart while focusing on building services for young individuals with disabilities and their journey through pre-employment transitions.