The Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce board of directors made an excellent choice in appointing Carol Smith as the Chamber’s new president and chief executive officer.

The directors voted Dec. 17 to appoint Smith, who served as interim president since July 31.

Prior to that she was the Chamber’s membership and community development manager for two years where she coordinator the annual Trade Expo and Taste of Huntsville.

Smith, a Huntsville native, is more than familiar with the surroundings of Huntsville and Walker County.

A master’s level graduate of Sam Houston State University, Smith served as a Huntsville Independent School District administrator for 16 years, overseeing 30 teachers and their programs.

After her retirement from that position in 2003, she served as an Adjunct Instructor at SHSU, specializing in training students to prepare for the work world.

She is immediate past president of the Huntsville Education Foundation, where she served as president for three years and is instrumental in helping the organization.

Smith is a familiar face around the Walker Country Fairgrounds.

She is in her fourth year as treasurer of the Walker County Fair Association and an asset to the group.

She served as president of the fair association for two years and vice president for two years.

Smith has been more than helpful to provide information, whether in her role as Chamber president or in behalf of the fair association, explaining the beginnings of the county fair and how it has progressed through the years.

“There is excitement and optimism at the Chamber, much of it due to Smith’s tireless work ethic and genuine interest in and love for this community and its people,” said George Miles, chairman of the Chamber’s board of directors.

“Carol Smith has already proven to be an effective and efficient leader,” Miles said, “and her rapport with our Chamber members and the community at large places her in a unique position to help us move the Chamber forward as we meet the challenges that will undoubtedly arise as time progresses.”

“My pledge to our Chamber members,” Smith said, “this community and all of Walker County is to continue coordinating with all individuals and entities to build on the efforts of the past that have made Huntsville and Walker County the great place it has become.

“Working together is one positive way to help accomplish our goals and dreams for this community. I am blessed with an outstanding team of staff members in Laura Green, Shannon Higbie and Chris Schmitt, as well as a corps of wonderful volunteers among the chamber membership.

“With their valuable assistance and the support of a strong and proactive board, I feel sure we can look to the future with confidence.”