Court Appointed Special Advocates of Cannon County (CASA) has chosen a new executive director. CASA’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint Kamille Smith to serve in the role following the resignation of Lacey Buchanan, who left to pursue a career with the State of Tennessee.
In announcing Smith’s appointment, Nathan S. Nichols, Chairman of CASA’s Board of Directors said, “we are honored that someone such as Kamille has expressed a willingness to serve as our new executive director. Her experience in public education and proven dedication to making Cannon County a safer and more welcoming place for at-risk youth makes her the ideal candidate. Myself and the Board are excited to work with her and have full confidence in her ability to keep CASA thriving.” Nichols also thanked outgoing Executive Director Lacey Buchanan, “CASA would not be where it is today without the hard work and support of Lacey. We will miss her and wish her the best in her new career.” Nichols said.
Kamille comes to CASA from Cannon County High School where she spent over ten years working as a mathematics teacher. She received her mathematics degree from Middle Tennessee State University where she also minored in education. Additionally, she holds a Master’s Degree in education and an Ed.S in administration and supervision. Kamille is married to Dustin Smith and has two daughters, Kelsie and Gracie. She and her husband are also the guardians of two daughters, Lacole and Heather Wilson, and a grandbaby, Kia Cobb. “I am grateful and super excited to be the new Executive Director of CASA. I believe in the next generation and will do everything that I can to help give them the home life and the opportunities that I had. I think that CASA is going to do great in Cannon County because I believe our small town has a lot of love and care for one another and we honestly want to make this the best place for every child.” Smith said.
Cannon County CASA, a non-profit established in 2017 through the support of Juvenile Court Judge Susan Melton and Youth Services Officer Catherine Player, trains and supervises community volunteers who advocate on behalf of children in foster care as their cases proceed through the juvenile court system. CASA’s Board of Directors is comprised of Chairman Nathan Nichols, Vice-Chairman Norma Knox, Secretary/Treasurer Sue Patrick, and members Matthew Cowan, and Donna Nichols.