Nomination Statement for South East Region Candidate
Laurie Smith

Reasons for accepting the nomination

            My years volunteering with the Catawba Lands Conservancy have afforded me ample opportunity to learn about the conservation and stewardship of land.  In addition, I’ve been fortunate to travel to many locales, both rural and urban, across the South East and the United States.  Through these experiences, I have witnessed the benefits of thoughtful land conservation on our watersheds, our farms, our wildlife and our overall quality of life.  I have also witnessed the detriments that accompany the lack of thoughtful conservation.  I’ve learned that conserving land doesn’t happen in an instant – rather, it involves a continual effort that becomes more challenging each day as development surrounds preserved land.  As my knowledge has grown, so has my passion.  Serving as a fiduciary of Terrafirma, and as a representative of the South East region on Terrafirma’s Members Committee, would allow me to contribute to a cause about which I care deeply.

My vision of my role if elected

            If I were to be elected, I see my role with Terrafirma as twofold.  First, I would be proud to represent land trusts across the South East, giving them a voice in the crucial conservation defense work of Terrafirma and relaying information to them about the work of the organization.  Second, I would serve as a fiduciary of the organization, overseeing its governance, strategic course and operations on behalf of all member trusts.  In that regard, I would look to participate in all discussions of the full board and as a member of at least one committee or subcommittee.  My career experience includes more than a decade of advising clients on and negotiating complex corporate transactions; I also have significant expertise in corporate governance and have taught a law school course on that topic.  The skills garnered from this experience, as well as from my time chairing the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Catawba Lands Conservancy and serving on its Executive Committee, have prepared me to make a positive impact as part of the Members Committee.