William Gaston Awards 2018

Dr. Edward Smith

Dr. Edward "Ed" Smith has been described by his colleagues as "humble, personable and approachable - a highly distinguished and motivated public servant who has devoted many years to serving Gaston County and its citizens".

An advocate for community health and wellness for all citizens, Ed is currently the Vice-Chairman of the Gaston County Health and Human Services Board and he also serves as the Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Abuse and Neglect.

Likewise, Ed works passionately on behalf of Gaston County's aging community. He is currently the Chairman of the Gaston County Council on Aging - a board that works on behalf of older adults to provide and coordinate services to keep older adults living independently. He is also a member of the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee of the North Carolina Long Term Care Ombudsman Program which promotes community involvement and cooperation with adult care homes and nursing homes to ensure the quality of care for older and disabled adults.

Ed has been a part of the Gaston County community for more than 27 years. He is known as a passionate supporter of education initiatives and he understands that a strong, skilled workforce is vital to Gaston County's economy. Involved in education and workforce development for most of his career, Ed has served in many different capacities. He was the Vice President of Workforce Development for the Gaston Regional Chamber of Commerce from 2008 to 2011. He was also the Vice President for Workforce Development and Continuing Education for Tri-County Community College; the Dean of Continuing Education and Summer School at Lees McRae College and the Dean of Continuing Education and Summer School for Belmont Abbey College from 1991 to 1997. Most recently, Ed worked for Montreat College serving as the Director for the Charlotte, Asheville, and Morganton campuses until his retirement in 2014.

Ed, the County Commission extends its gratitude to you and your devoted wife Debra. We are forever indebted to you for your exemplary leadership, kindness, and compassion and for your many years of service to the citizens of Gaston County.

Your willingness to serve is truly inspirational, and as a colleague recently stated, your "tireless work and passion is the embodiment of a public servant and of this distinguished award".