Central Penn College Education Foundation Names Meredith Smith Executive Director
The Central Penn College Education Foundation has named experienced nonprofit leader Meredith N. Smith as its new executive director. Smith will lead the Foundation’s efforts to expand scholarship opportunities, build community and donor partnerships, secure grant funding and invest in student success at Central Penn College.
Smith brings a diverse professional background spanning nonprofit leadership, healthcare, fundraising, publishing and community service. Her experience will support the Foundation as it continues working to remove financial barriers for students and strengthen opportunities across academics, athletics and the Central Penn College community.
Who Is Meredith N. Smith?
Meredith N. Smith is an experienced nonprofit executive, fundraiser, editor and community health leader.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Professional Writing from Penn State University as well as professional certificates in fundraising and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Her career has taken her through several industries, including nonprofit healthcare and commercial book publishing. Smith also previously worked as a certified nursing assistant and spent more than 15 years in publishing as an acquisitions editor, literary agent and editor.
That combination of communication, fundraising, healthcare and nonprofit management experience gives Smith a broad perspective as she takes on leadership of the Central Penn College Education Foundation.
Experience Leading Community-Focused Nonprofit Organizations
Before joining Central Penn College, Smith helped lead major community health initiatives in Jacksonville, Florida.
She served as Director of Patient Services for WeCareJax and later as Executive Director of Community Health Outreach, where she oversaw and raised funds for an integrated medical and dental free clinic and food pantry.
Her work focused not only on access to healthcare, but also on helping individuals and families navigate the financial, social and personal challenges that can create barriers to stability and opportunity.
That experience closely connects with the mission of the Central Penn College Education Foundation: helping remove barriers so students can continue pursuing their education and career goals.
“The Executive Director of the Education Foundation plays a critical role in the College’s success,” Smith said. “The College and Foundation are co-captains at the helm of removing the financial barriers to students’ educational goals. It’s my job to ensure we have the resources to meet those needs.”
What Are Smith’s Priorities for the Central Penn College Education Foundation?
As executive director, Smith plans to focus on several key areas that directly support Central Penn College students and programs.
Her priorities include:
- Expanding individual and corporate donor support
- Identifying and pursuing new grant opportunities
- Growing scholarship funding for Central Penn College students
- Strengthening financial support for academic programs
- Expanding opportunities to support Central Penn College Athletics
- Building stronger partnerships throughout Central Pennsylvania
Scholarship support remains one of the Foundation’s most important areas of impact. By increasing the resources available to students, the Foundation can help more learners overcome financial obstacles and remain focused on completing their education and preparing for their careers.
Supporting Student Success at Central Penn College
The Central Penn College Education Foundation works alongside the College to provide financial resources and opportunities that enhance the student experience.
Foundation support can help students manage the cost of earning a college education while also investing in academic programs, campus initiatives and opportunities that prepare students for success beyond the classroom.
For Smith, that mission was an important part of joining the Central Penn College community.
“Central Penn College is an accessible and nurturing academic environment that consistently creates opportunities for professional growth while developing engaged members of the community,” she said.
Smith is also a recent graduate of the Leadership Harrisburg Area Executive Leadership Series, further strengthening her connections to leaders, organizations and communities throughout the greater Harrisburg and Central Pennsylvania region.
Building Partnerships Across Central Pennsylvania
Located in Enolae near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Central Penn College serves students from throughout Central Pennsylvania and beyond.
Under Smith’s leadership, the Education Foundation will continue looking for ways to connect individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, alumni and community partners with opportunities to make a direct impact on Central Penn College students.
Those partnerships can take many forms, from scholarship donations and corporate support to grants and investments in academic and athletic initiatives.
For organizations and individuals looking to invest in education and workforce development in Central Pennsylvania, the Foundation provides an opportunity to directly support students working toward their professional goals.
How Can You Support the Central Penn College Education Foundation?
Individuals, alumni, businesses and community organizations interested in supporting Central Penn College students can partner with Meredith N. Smith and the Central Penn College Education Foundation through donations, scholarships, sponsorships and other philanthropic opportunities.
Learn more about the Central Penn College Education Foundation and how you can support student success at www.centralpenn.edu/education-foundation.
