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Katelyn Smith

Cohort 4

Jurisdiction: Foothills Regional COG

University: UNC-Asheville

Hometown: Nebo, NC

Biography

Katelyn Smith served her fellowship with the Foothills Regional Commission, covering Cleveland, McDowell, Polk, and Rutherford Counties. She accomplished several vital tasks, including the completion of four digital inclusion plans covering all the counties in the region. She also played a key role in preparing a farmland preservation plan for Rutherford County, supporting local producers in their efforts to protect their farmland. Additionally, Smith conducted a regional evaluation of progress for a comprehensive economic development strategy update.

Before LFNC

Smith graduated magna cum laude from UNC-Asheville and was a member of Active Students for a Healthy Environment (ASHE). Smith also had the opportunity to intern at the Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina, granting her hands-on experience with nonprofit conservation.

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