Staff reports
Smoky Mountain Times announces the addition of Brian Smith to its staff as the advertising sales representative.
Smith began with the company March 27, beginning with training with CNI Newspapers home office staff, and said he is enjoying the opportunity to meet new people and help grow the newspaper’s connections in the town.
“I really enjoy meeting a lot of interesting people. I grew up in a small town and my grandfather knew everybody so it’s a good opportunity to recreate that hometown feel for me,” Smith said of his new role.
Smith retired from a career as a technical publications’ specialist. He worked with Diebold Nixdorf in North Canton, Ohio for 25 years as a senior specialist managing daily functions of the documentation services department for over 100 global products supporting financial equipment and services.
His work included business relationship and project management with vendors and leading the style guide committee for technical writing. While there, he also participated on the Society for Technical Communication.
Smith holds a Master of Arts degree in French literature and linguistics and Bachelor of Arts in French and English literature from Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
“We’re thrilled to have Brian Smith join the staff here at Smoky Mountain Times,” said Publisher/Editor Jessica Webb. “His experience and good-natured approach to meeting new people will truly be an asset to the newspaper, helping us grow our relationships with other local businesses and helping our weekly paper continue to thrive in the town we love.”
Smith relocated from Cleveland, Ohio last year with his partner and their 2 cats. He was drawn to the mountains for family connection and the outdoors.
“My grandmother’s side of the family was from the Knoxville area, and we were always traveling through this part of the state when we were visiting her brother in Charlotte,” Smith said. “We’re interested in hiking, waterfalls, the topography and the natural beauty of the area and small-town living.”
In his spare time, Smith enjoys reading, photography, cooking and hiking. He also looks forward to learning more about the plants native to the area and local history.