Carmen D. Smith is the Executive Director of Chipola Area Habitat for Humanity, an affordable housing non-profit serving Jackson and Washington counties. The organization builds homes with the intention of increasing the area’s affordable housing supply while also working to eliminate the root causes of housing inequality and enact change to the structural issues preventing home ownership.

Smith has a unique perspective on the challenges facing rural populations. During her tenure at Chipola Area Habitat for Humanity, the non-profit agency has successfully secured increases in revenue, allowing for expanded service capacity. She has implemented distinctive community partnerships with public and private entities that not only further the organization’s mission through scalable housing solutions but also address workforce development issues throughout the region.

Smith’s professional volunteer roles include serving as a member of the Habitat for Humanity International U.S. Council. She currently serves as President of the Board of Directors of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, a board member for the Jackson County Education Foundation, Secretary of Habitat for Humanity of Florida, and as a community representative for the Jackson County Early Childhood Policy Council.  She is a member of the Marianna Woman’s Club, Marianna Rotary Club, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Carmen received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida where her education focused on communication and leadership development and completed a Master of Business Administration from Troy University.