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Cohort 4

Jurisdiction: Foothills Regional COG

University: UNC-Asheville

Hometown: Nebo, NC

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.

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.

January 19, 2024

The first cohort of Lead for North Carolina Fellows made a splash in communities across the state, launching meaningful projects with real-world impact.

January 19, 2024

Fellow Nick Boyd’s work with the Community Rating System program earned recognition for reducing flood insurance premiums for county homeowners.

January 19, 2024

The UNC School of Government furthers its commitment to serving North Carolina’s local governments through a course taught by William Rivenbark and Rebecca Badgett.

AmeriCorps