Title: 1) Director; 2) Adjunct Faculty Member
Company: 1) Unicoi County Prevention Coalition; 2) King University
Location: Johnson City, Tennessee, United States
Christy A. Smith, MA, Director at Unicoi County Prevention Coalition and Adjunct Faculty Member at King University, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements and leadership in Nonprofit Management and Higher Education.
Ms. Smith is recognized for her continued success as a leading expert in the prevention of substance use and misuse, as well as mental health, with a career spanning 15 years. Her professional journey is marked by a steadfast commitment to community well-being and innovative program development within the nonprofit sector.
As the director of the Unicoi County Prevention Coalition since 2016, Ms. Smith is responsible for writing grants and ensuring the successful implementation of all programs and initiatives. Under her direction, the coalition has become a cornerstone for substance use prevention and behavioral health advocacy in the region.
One of Ms. Smith’s most notable professional achievements since her time at the Unicoi County Prevention Coalition was the creation of the organization’s Hope Mentoring Program. This initiative pairs high-achieving 11th and 12th grade students, selected for their academic performance and community involvement, with at-risk middle school students. The program has had a transformative impact, fostering academic and behavioral growth among participants. It has been recognized by the school board and the superintendent for its effectiveness in building resilience, enhancing coping skills and increasing students’ awareness.
Ms. Smith’s entry into the field was inspired by her early involvement with Washington County’s anti-drug coalition. Having grown up in Unicoi County, she felt compelled to return and establish an alliance in her home community. Initially operating as a subcommittee of the Unicoi County Health Council, Ms. Smith conducted a needs assessment that identified significant challenges in substance use and behavioral health among local youth. In 2016, she led efforts to secure a grant from the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. By 2017, the coalition achieved nonprofit status through recognition by the Tennessee Secretary of State.
Since 2017, Ms. Smith has also served as an adjunct faculty member at King University in Bristol, Tennessee. In this capacity, she has contributed to students’ academic growth by sharing her expertise in substance use prevention and mental health. Ms. Smith’s role involves curriculum development, instruction and mentorship, fostering the next generation of professionals in her field.
Before her present positions, Ms. Smith contributed to Insight Alliance in a community outreach capacity from 2010 to 2015.
Ms. Smith’s academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Arts in Appalachian studies from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City. She is also credentialed as a certified prevention specialist, further underscoring her expertise and dedication to her field.
Aside from her full-time career endeavors, Ms. Smith has served as the chair of the Tanasi Arts and Heritage Center since 2015, where she continues to champion cultural preservation and community engagement, further demonstrating her dedication to enriching the lives of those around her. She is also an active member of the Prevention Alliance of Tennessee, reflecting her ongoing commitment to professional development and collaboration within her field. Among other civic and cultural initiatives, Ms. Smith volunteers with VIP at the International Storytelling Center, the Senior Center, Keep the Valley Beautiful initiatives and the Clinchfield Senior Center, and engages with the Unicoi County Historical Society, reflecting her commitment to preserving local heritage.
Ms. Smith is an accomplished author, having published “Lost Cove, North Carolina: Portrait of a Vanished Appalachian Community, 1864-1957” in 2021. This nonfiction work fulfills a lifelong dream and explores the history of a vanished community, earning her the Excellence Award from the North Carolina Historical Society in 2023.
Attributing her accomplishments to her unwavering willpower, independence and determination, Ms. Smith considers empathy an essential aspect of her character. She credits her parents with instilling in her a profound sense of strength. Eager for the future, Ms. Smith aspires to continue advancing her coalition’s work, reduce mental health challenges among youth, and increase access to resources and treatment facilities in her community.
For more information, please visit:
Contact Ms. Smith: