Ellenboro man named area director OF USDA

   Warren C. Smith of Ellenboro was recently selected to serve as Area Director for USDA Rural Development by State Director Randall Gore. 

   As Area Director in Shelby, Smith serves as an advocate for rural communities and citizens in Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln, Polk and Rutherford counties. Effective October 1, Catawba, Iredell, McDowell and Mecklenburg counties will be added to the service area.  He will administer the Rural Development programs and services provided by the USDA that can enhance economic success.

   Asked what his priorities are as the new area director, Smith said “I want to make sure we’re reaching out to the total community with information and assistance regarding Rural Development programs and resources. I also want to make sure that our programs and services are ‘user-friendly.”

   Smith formerly served as Virginia State Director of Housing & Community Development in Richmond and Director of Housing & Economic Development in Augusta-Richmond County, Georgia. He has held similar positions at local, state and federal levels over his thirty year career. He most recently served as Deputy Housing Officer with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.      

   Smith can be contacted by calling 704-471-0235 Extension 4. More information about USDA Rural Development can be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov