AMERICUS — After serving the Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce for six years, Angela Smith has accepted a position at Georgia Southwestern State University as the executive assistant to the president. Interim President Charles Patterson made the announcement today. Smith will begin her new position at GSW Tuesday, Sept. 1.
“In our search for someone to serve as the executive assistant to the president,” Patterson said, “we were looking for a contributing member of a larger team that can serve the institution at the highest levels and provide added value to current and future strategic initiatives that will advance Georgia Southwestern State University. We’re excited to have Angela join us in September. Her experience in public relations, community engagement and marketing will serve the University well in many respects.”
As executive assistant to the president, Smith will report directly to Patterson and serve as the senior administrator to the Office of the President, providing support and coordination for the University’s various pursuits, both external and internal to campus. She will serve as the president’s representative on various local, regional and state-level programs.
“I am honored to have this opportunity to become a part of the GSW team and look forward to working with Dr. Patterson and the leadership to continue the positive direction that the university is heading,” Smith said.
Barbara Grogan, executive director of the Americus-Sumter Payroll Development Authority (PDA) and Chamber of Commerce, who has worked with Smith since 2013, is supportive of the move and is grateful for her work with the Chamber.
“On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce board of directors, we congratulate Angela on her new position with Georgia Southwestern and wish both she and GSW much success,” said Grogan. “Angela has been an integral part of the Chamber of Commerce for many years, as a member, volunteer and staff. We look forward to working with Angela and Dr. Charles Patterson in this new capacity as we all continue working together for the future of Sumter County.”
Smith has served as director of Chamber development since 2013 (following the merger of the Chamber and the PDA) and previously served as president/CEO. Prior to that, she was the family connections coordinator with Visions for Sumter. Smith earned a bachelor of fine arts Valdosta State College having majored in speech communications with an emphasis in public relations. She and her husband, Rene Smith, together have five children: Connie (33), Taylor (30), Kate (21), Sara Elizabeth (18) and Chance (16), and reside in Americus.