Smith named executive director for SW Resources
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PARKERSBURG -- Christina E. Smith has been named the new executive director for SW Resources Inc.
Smith officially took over on Friday. Smith was previously the director of The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley.
"We are pleased to announce this appointment, as Christina has a passion and many years of experience with developing and implementing programs and services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our local community and across the State of West Virginia,'' said SW Resources Board President Sherri Davis. ''In addition to the extensive knowledge and experience from being an executive professional with The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley and The Arc of West Virginia for close to 16 years, it is her personal understanding of the challenges faced by those with varying disabilities that makes her the perfect fit to lead SW Resources and further our mission to enable people with disabilities to achieve their full potential."
Former SW Resources President and CEO Terah Klein has returned to her home state of Alabama where her husband has accepted a new job, company officials said.
SW Resources is a non-profit, community based rehabilitation facility that provides employment and vocational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Since it began in 1964, the agency has grown to serve over 450 people annually.
Smith knows first-hand about advocating and seeking services and support, as her daughter was born with Down syndrome, company officials said in a press release issued Tuesday.
For the past 16 years, she has personally navigated the system through multiple health issues and developmental delays since her birth.
While her daughter is not the only family member with a disability, she understands as a sibling also, the important role of advocacy when assisting families and individuals who are seeking support and services in the community, they added. "I couldn't be more excited to join the SW Resources team, as I have had the opportunity to watch the growth and success of the organization over the years," Smith said. "Having been a collaborative partner with The Arc on many successful initiatives in our community, I am thrilled to be given the opportunity.
''While it was an emotional decision on a personal level, I am confident that this is a positive step in my career, and I look forward to being able to focus on employment and rehabilitation programming and to the expansion of opportunities in the Mid-Ohio Valley.''
A native of Wood County, Smith and her husband, Tim, reside on their farm in Belleville with their two daughters -- 18-year-old Olivia and 16-year-old Anna.
Christina holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a minor in Communications from West Virginia State College.
Prior to her position at The Arc, she worked primarily in health care and non-profit marketing and development.
Officials at The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley are looking for someone to replace Smith.
"The board of directors for The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley is currently searching for a new executive director and we hope to have one hired as soon as possible," said Dan Stemple, board president.