United Way announces new executive director

Kimberly J. Smith, of Smith & Vincent Grant Writing Services in Fall River, has been actively involved in the SouthCoast community for over 25 years. Her professional career began in 1992 with the Waring-Sullivan Funeral Homes, where she dedicated her career as a funeral director and embalmer providing personalized guidance to families before, during and after one of life’s most difficult events. Throughout the years, Smith also served as a facilitator for hospice workshops, provided community outreach and education, and coordinated seminars and training for staff and volunteers.

Several years ago, Smith pursued an opportunity to venture in another direction and co-founded Smith & Vincent Grant Writing Services with a partner from Rotary. An underutilized service, grant writing can benefit a variety of businesses and individuals by helping them uncover vital resources essential to economic growth and stability.

Smith graduated from Bishop Connolly High School in 1986, where she was voted “Most School Spirit”. That same spirit still influences everything she does today. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in humanities from Providence College in 1990, and her Associates Degree in funeral service from New England Institute of Funeral Service at Mount Ida College in 1993. She is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Smith has been a dedicated volunteer in the SouthCoast community for many years. An active member and current president of the Rotary Club of Fall River, Smith lives by the Rotary motto “Service Above Self." She is an interact liaison at Bishop Connolly High School, co-chair of several committees and is a Paul Harris Fellow. Nominated by her club for her perseverance and innovation, Smith successfully lobbied for a corporate membership component which stimulated growth in membership.

Smith was a volunteer with the Bishop Connolly Theatre Boosters to support their performing arts program and has been a mentor with Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll – Southcoast), whose mission is accelerating economic and social impact through entrepreneurship in mid-sized cities. She has been a guest speaker for local clubs and high schools, facilitated workshops for hospice volunteers, and helped beautify Fall River by volunteering with the Fall River Street Tree Planting program. Past civic activities include chairing the annual Waring-Sullivan Bereavement Seminar, serving as a board member of the Boy Scouts and the YMCA for whom she chaired and coordinated several local fundraising events, and volunteering with Junior Achievement.

She is the proud mother of two daughters, Dierdre, 18, and Monica, 14. She was born, raised and still resides in Fall River with her husband, Jim, former co-owner and founder of Meganet Communications, and their two Havanese, Lola and Neumann. She is a member of Baker’s Beach and the Fall River Book Club, and loves to read, cycle, enjoy local cuisine and entertain in her spare time.