Kannapolis Deputy City Manager Eddie Smith has been elected president of the North Carolina City & County Management Association, a statewide organization representing city and county managers and assistant managers.
The association, founded in 1964, promotes professional development for local government administrators through training, networking and information sharing. It also serves as North Carolina's affiliate of the International City/County Management Association.
As president, Smith said he plans to focus on improving civility in local government, promoting mental health and resiliency among public officials and encouraging more military veterans to pursue careers in local government management.
Smith has previously served on the association's professional conduct, civic education and sponsorship committees as chair.
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A 21-year employee of the city of Kannapolis, Smith previously served as town manager in Elkin and Lake Waccamaw. He began his career in local government as hazard mitigation coordinator for New Hanover County.
Outside of his municipal duties, Smith is active in several community organizations, including the Cabarrus Rotary Club and the Kannapolis YMCA Board. He has also served as president of the Kannapolis Rotary Club, vice chair of Cabarrus County Crime Stoppers, a member of the Leadership Cabarrus steering committee, and president of the Appalachian State University Local Government Alumni Association.
A native of Mechanicsville, Virginia, Smith served in the U.S. Navy as a cryptologic technician and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Military Intelligence School. He holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a Master of Public Administration from Appalachian State University. He is also a graduate of the N.C. Municipal and County Administration Program and the Public Executive Leadership Academy at the UNC School of Government, where he serves as an adjunct instructor in its Master of Public Administration program.
