Jan Smith joined the Foundation as Executive Director late 2014. Prior to her role as Executive Director, Jan served as Managing Partner of The Planning Principle, LLC a Public Relations, Marketing, and Business Development firm located in California’s Central Valley. Jan has over 30 years of experience in the private sector in the area of construction administration/management, project management, contract management, land development, industrial development, real estate and escrow, political legislation, marketing and special events coordination. She also has municipal government experience working with City Managers, City Councils, County Board of Supervisors, and other Government Officials on a State and Local level, in addition to serving on many local non-profit boards and Highschool booster clubs.
Jan believes in the concept of building community by one’s participation. As community members she believes that “We must always strive to ensure the quality we expect in our community. We cannot rely on others to carry the challenges by themselves.”
In addition to attending local schools here in Tulare, she returned to live in Tulare in 1998 with her family. Jan has been active in community outreach programs all her life, from her roots as a Granddaughter of a church Pastor, a daughter of a long time High School Teacher and local business entrepreneurs. She enjoys the opportunity to network with companies and individuals to ensure their understanding of the Foundation’s mission. She strives to earn their trust and seeks support for Tulare’s local hospital and the services it provides.
Her background includes:
• Executive V.P. – Building Industry Association of Tulare/Kings Counties Visalia CA
• Operations Manager – Benart Development Company, Fresno & Visalia, CA
• Project Administrator – Ray Wilson Company Pasadena, CA CSATF-CSP
• Commercial Administration and Property Manager – The Allen Group, Visalia, CA
• Assistant to the City Manager’s & City Council Office– City of Visalia – Visalia, CA
• Escrow Officer – Stewart Title of California, Visalia & Hanford, CA
• Central Valley Operations Manager – Reynen & Bardis Communities, Inc., Visalia, CA
Jan serves on or has served on the following Non-Profit Organization Board of Directors:
• The Creative Center – Visalia, California
• Esqueda-Zuniga Foundation – Fresno, California
• Happy Trails Therapeutic Riding Academy – Visalia, California
• National Day of Prayer Committees –Tulare and Visalia, California
• Sharks Swimming Club – Tulare, California
• Tulare Union Band Boosters Club – Tulare, California