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ENOLA (August 14, 2026)  A seasoned nonprofit leader, Meredith N. Smith, has been named the new executive director of the Central Penn College Foundation, a nonprofit devoted to expanding scholarship opportunities, strengthening partnerships and investing in student success at the 145-year-old Enola-based college.

Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in Professional Writing from Penn State University in 2003 and later completed professional certificates in fundraising and diversity, equity and inclusion. She completed a career change into nonprofit healthcare, working as a certified nursing assistant after spending more than 15 years in commercial book publishing as an acquisitions editor, literary agent and editor.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Smith helped lead community health initiatives in Jacksonville, Florida, serving as Director of Patient Services for WeCareJax and Executive Director of Community Health Outreach. She oversaw and fundraised for an integrated medical and dental free clinic and food pantry while helping vulnerable families navigate one of the most challenging periods for the economy, community health, and our way of life.

“The Executive Director of the Education Foundation plays a critical role in the college’s success,” she said. “The College and Foundation are co-captains at the helm of removing the financial barriers to students’ educational goals. It’s my job to ensure we have the resources to meet those needs.”

Her priorities are clear: to expand donor support, increase grant opportunities and strengthen funding for scholarships, athletics and academic programs.

She is a recent graduate of the Leadership Harrisburg Executive Leadership Class.

“Central Penn College is an accessible and nurturing academic environment that consistently creates opportunities for professional growth while developing engaged members of the community,” she said.

Supporters can partner with Smith in her larger mission by visiting www.centralpenn.edu/education-foundation              #    #   #