The City of Fayetteville has appointed Laura Smith to be its new emergency management coordinator. Smith started her new role as the emergency management coordinator on Mar. 18.

“We know Laura is the right person for this position and we are eager to put a seasoned professional in the driver’s seat as Hurricane Season is only a few short months away,” said Fire Chief Kevin Dove in a press release.

Smith, a Fayetteville native who comes from a family of first responders, transferred to the City of Fayetteville from Cumberland County Emergency Services.  She began her career in local government as a Cumberland County 911 telecommunicator and then served as an emergency management planner. She is also a volunteer for the Stedman Fire Department, serving as their safety officer and lead public educator.

 “I am excited and honored to join the team here at the City of Fayetteville,” said Smith ina  press release. “I take great pride in working alongside the professionals in the Fayetteville Fire Department.”

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Carolina University in Emergency and Disaster Management and is currently pursuing a master’s in public administration through Clemson University.