JOHNSON CITY, TN, May 22, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Christy A. Smith, MA, CPS, has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Smith has established a distinguished career marked by her dedication to community service and education. As the director of the Unicoi County Prevention Coalition since 2016, she has been instrumental in addressing substance use and misuse within her community. Her expertise in prevention is evident through her successful grant writing and program implementation, which are guided by meticulously crafted annual action plans. Under Ms. Smith's leadership, the coalition has grown from a subcommittee under the Unicoi County Health Council to an independent nonprofit organization recognized by the Tennessee Secretary of State.

In addition to her role as director, Ms. Smith has served as an adjunct faculty member at King University since 2017, where she teaches courses on Appalachian culture and history. Her commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. She has also served as chair of the Tanasi Arts and Heritage Center, where she leads efforts to promote cultural awareness, preserve regional traditions, and foster a deeper appreciation of Appalachian heritage.

Ms. Smith's career began with her work in community outreach for Insight Alliance from 2010 to 2015, where she honed her skills in engaging diverse populations and addressing critical social issues. Beyond her professional roles, she is deeply devoted to community service. Ms. Smith has volunteered with the International Storytelling Center, Clinchfield Senior Center and Keep the Valley Beautiful in programs for Coalition Youth.

Prior to beginning her professional journey, Ms. Smith earned a bachelor's degree in English and a Master of Arts in Appalachian studies from East Tennessee State University. Additionally, she further honed her expertise by becoming a certified prevention specialist. In addition to her education, Ms. Smith attributes much of her success to her unwavering willpower, independence and determination — qualities instilled in her by her parents. Her empathy and passion for uplifting her community have been driving forces behind her achievements.

Ms. Smith's literary contributions include "Lost Cove, North Carolina: A Portrait of a Vanished Community from 1864 to 1957," a nonfiction work that won the North Carolina Historical Society's Excellence Award in 2023. The book offers a comprehensive history of the isolated Lost Cove community, from its founding before the Civil War to its decline. Through interviews, genealogical research and historical documents, Ms. Smith paints an in-depth portrait of family life and kinship in isolation.

Beyond her renowned publication, Ms. Smith's most notable professional achievement is the creation of the HOPE mentoring program, which pairs high-achieving high school students with at-risk middle school students. The program has had a transformative effect, helping middle school students thrive academically and behaviorally. Ms. Smith takes pride in how it enhances coping skills and builds resilience. The school board and superintendent have both praised the program for its positive impact on students and its role in fostering growth and awareness among participants.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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