LISBON — Brittany R. Smith can drop the word “assistant” from her title after being named the Columbiana County Port Authority Executive Director on Monday, just six months after the retirement of her predecessor, former executive director Penny Traina.

“She was such a fabulous mentor. I appreciated and still do appreciate our friendship and her guidance and I would not be here today without her,” Smith said.

The CCPA Board of Directors designated Smith as the new executive director, with board Chairman Charlie Presley saying it’s been a smooth transition.

“You’ve served now in the assistant’s position for quite a while and really handled, since Miss Traina’s departure, handled the position well. We are happy to offer you the position,” Presley said.

When asked about her salary, Smith said the resolution allows the chairman to execute the employment contract, which she said is being worked on.

“I appreciate the port authority board, their support and their confidence in me as we move forward and I could not thank my staff enough and the team that we have with Haedan Panezott, Elise Wallace and Glenda Schafer.”

Smith said she’s very thankful for them and knows they have a great team moving forward. She’s also looking forward to moving the CCPA forward. She brings nearly a decade of experience in public service, finance and organizational leadership to the job, leading “the organization’s strategic initiatives to drive economic development, support business growth and strengthen community partnerships across the region.”

She said she appreciates what Columbiana County is, between the CCPA Board of Directors, the county commissioners, other county leaders, local community leaders and the local legislators.

“We always work so well together and support each other in our ventures. I’m looking forward to continuing that tradition to help progress Columbiana County forward,” Smith said.

A graduate of Salem High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology from the University of Mount Union and joined the CCPA in 2018 as Finance & Grants Coordinator before being promoted to Assistant Executive Director in 2021, overseeing major development projects, securing critical funding and helping position the port authority as a key partner for businesses and communities.

Earlier roles included administrative assistant with the county Economic Development Department and clinical manager with Advanced Podiatry.

She currently serves as chair of the Energy Special Improvement District and serves on the executive committee of the Business Advisory Council where she also leads as School and Business Partner Chair.

She and her husband, Matt, reside in Salem with their three children, Easton, Gannon and Madix and she wants her children to stay in Columbiana County.

In the short story about her career, she said she “values the strong connections between business, education and community that fuel local growth.”

“My goal is to make Columbiana County the best place to raise a family, start a career and call home,” Smith said.

During her director’s report at Monday’s CCPA Board of Directors meeting, she reported that CCPA, in partnership with the county Economic Development Department and on behalf of the county commissioners, was administering the water tap-in program grant for residents of Hanoverton. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 6 and can be picked up from the Hanoverton mayor’s office or by calling the port authority.

She also announced that next month is Manufacturing Month and the CCPA will spotlight five outstanding manufacturers in Columbiana County who are making a positive impact through innovation, community involvement, job creation and excellence in their industry. Nominations must be submitted by Oct. 1 with nomination forms available on the CCPA website at ccpa-ohioriver.com.

Winners will be honored with a spotlight feature on the port authority’s socak medial channels and receive a recognition plaque.

Also, in partnership with the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center, students will be selected from the machining and welding programs to tour local manufacturing companies.

mgreier@mojonews.com