Community commitment: Tracey Smith

Tracey Smith’s passion for service is evident in how she invests her time, talents and resources to support others. For nearly a decade, she’s been involved with United Way of Greater Chattanooga, serving on the Campaign Cabinet, with Women United and on a nonprofit advisory committee. She served on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga for four years and has been a “Big Sister” for many years.

Last July, Tracey took over as chair of the board of directors for Chattanooga Area Food Bank, starting her fifth year of board service. “The purpose of the board is to support the organization and its mission at a high level, including the C-suite and through strategic direction,” she shares. “We bring in community connections, assist with donor relations and divide into committees that align with our passions and skill sets.”

Tracey served on the food bank’s development committee and was chair for two years. “My career has been built on connecting with people, then connecting them with a solution. That’s just what the development committee does: we connect with people, then connect them with a cause.”

Tracey draws on her skills honed at The Trust Company of Tennessee to support the organization. “I get such joy from this position, getting to plan for and execute strategy and guide the direction of the food bank.” She says that the company also prepares team members for community service.

“We have committees that help with strategy to execute, grow and serve clients, providing development opportunity that mirrors the needs for boards. The Trust Company puts its words into action when it comes to community service, supporting team members in those pursuits. It stands by creating leaders, so if you want to grow and you show up and work hard, there are ample opportunities here to be a leader, join a committee or take on a project.”

Tracey offers insight to those who want to get involved in service. “Identify what makes you tick – your passions – and go with that. You’ll get a lot of joy.”