Graphic reading KDE News.Felicia Cumings Smith of Kentucky was elected the vice chair of the Southern Regional Education Board on June 11 in a virtual meeting of the board’s Executive Committee.

Currently the senior director, U.S. Regions, for National Geographic, Smith’s career has spanned a variety of leadership roles in P-12, higher education, nonprofit and philanthropy organizations. She has spent almost her entire career in Kentucky education, starting as an elementary and reading resource teacher in Jefferson County Public Schools.

A Kentucky native, Smith earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education from the University of Louisville. She received her doctorate in instruction and administration and Rank 1 certification in instructional leadership from the University of Kentucky.

Smith has served on the SREB Board since 2020.

“I’m thrilled to step into the role of vice chair after working alongside SREB spurring innovation in the region for over a decade,” Smith said. “I believe in the organization’s mission and its impact over time, and I’m convinced even greater accomplishments lie ahead for states and communities across the region.”