Laurel honors Town Manager Jamie Smith for 30 years of service to town

The town of Laurel recognized Town Manager Jamie Smith during its June 15 Mayor and Council meeting for reaching 30 years of service to the town. Smith, who officially reaches the milestone on July 1, was honored by local and state officials, town employees and community leaders for her contributions to Laurel’s development over the past three decades.

Mayor Carlos Oliveras opened the presentation by recognizing Smith’s experience and service to the town before inviting former Mayor John Shwed to present a tribute on behalf of the Mayor and Council. Shwed reviewed Smith’s career with the town, which began in July 1996 in a part-time position. She became a full-time employee in 1997, served as an administrative assistant beginning in 2000, worked as operations manager from 2008 to 2013, and was appointed town manager on July 1, 2014.

The tribute highlighted Smith’s involvement in a number of major projects and initiatives. During her tenure as town manager, Laurel received its Downtown Development District designation in 2016. She also worked with the Laurel Redevelopment Corporation and Habitat for Humanity on housing initiatives and supported projects including the Rigby apartment restoration, Globe building restoration, Central Avenue subdivision development and the Promenade.

Shwed also cited Smith’s role in infrastructure projects, including utility expansion along the Route 13 corridor, water main replacement work, street paving, sewer rehabilitation, shoreline stabilization efforts, stormwater improvements and planning for a new water tower, well and treatment plant on the west side of town.

Among her accomplishments, Smith was credited with securing bond funding for the relocation and renovation of the Laurel Police Department at the former Paul Lawrence Dunbar Elementary School. She also helped secure a state agency agreement that allowed the Accelerated Learning Head Start program to operate in part of the building.

The tribute also focused on Smith’s community involvement. She has participated in town-sponsored events throughout her career, including all 30 of Laurel’s Fourth of July celebrations. Shwed noted that she attended last year’s event despite recovering from a severe broken ankle. He also highlighted her involvement in securing a new electronic community sign and helping establish Tidewater Park, which includes a nature-based playground honoring the Nanticoke people.

Shwed, who worked with Smith for 22 years, said her job requires balancing municipal finances, infrastructure demands and economic development efforts while preparing the town for future growth. “Keep on doing what you’re doing,       because yours is a difficult job,” Shwed said.

State Sen. Bryant Richardson presented Smith with a Senate Tribute recognizing her professionalism, integrity and commitment to public service. Richardson said Smith’s leadership, experience and dedication have played an important role in Laurel’s growth and stability.

State Rep. Tim Dukes also presented a House proclamation and praised Smith’s accessibility during his 14 years in office. “I’ve called her before at 7 o’clock on a Friday, not realizing what time it is, and she answers the phone,” Dukes said. “It has been an absolute pleasure in my tenure to work with Jamie.”

Laurel Director of Public Works James Foskey organized a presentation on behalf of town employees, many of whom attended the ceremony. Foskey thanked Smith for her leadership and support of town staff before presenting a lighthearted “trophy husband” award to Smith’s husband, Greg, in recognition of the demands public service has placed on her family.

In her comments, Smith said the accomplishments highlighted during the ceremony were the result of teamwork and collaboration.

“All my accomplishments, they’re not mine,” Smith said. “They’re the employees. They’re the civic organizations, the residents that have helped me and worked with me over the years to get these things done.”

Smith thanked current and former elected officials, town employees, community partners and residents for their support. She said successful local government depends on cooperation among many people and organizations. “Without a team, you’re not going to get anything accomplished. Everything is teamwork,” she said.

Smith also thanked her family, noting that her children spent much of their childhood around town hall and praised her husband for helping balance family responsibilities with the demands of municipal service.

Former Councilwoman Robin Fisher, who was unable to attend in person, participated by telephone through her daughter, Councilwoman Rogenea Fisher. Fisher said she wanted to publicly recognize Smith’s decades of service and described her as someone who has consistently placed the town’s interests first. “The town of Laurel thanks you. The residents of Laurel thank you. The businesses of Laurel, thank you. The mayors present and past, council members present and past, thank you,” Fisher said.

Fisher said Smith has provided continuity through changes in elected leadership and community priorities, helping move projects forward while maintaining stability in local government. “I always tell Jamie, you need to speak up and let people know what you do,” Fisher said. “But that quietness is a constant. And because of it, our town continues to grow.”

Looking back on Smith’s career, Fisher recalled Smith’s early years with the town and said she was always willing to take on additional responsibilities. She also praised Smith’s willingness to work with community organizations and assist residents when needed.

“I remember when you first came as an assistant with the town and then into the management of the town,” Fisher said. “There’s nothing that I believe anyone has ever asked you to do that you never did. Jamie, we love you, and we thank you,” she said.

The ceremony brought together family members, town employees, elected officials and community leaders to recognize Smith’s contributions to Laurel over the past 30 years. Speakers throughout the evening pointed to her role in many of the town’s major projects and initiatives and credited her with helping guide Laurel’s continued development.