Challenged Child names interim executive director

GAINESVILLE - Challenged Child and Friends Inc. has named J.C. Smith as the interim executive director of the agency.

Smith replaces Kathy Cook, who resigned to accept a position as executive director of a non-profit agency in South Carolina.

Smith will assume the position on Jan. 5, 2009 and will serve as interim director until the Board of Directors selects a permanent replacement.

Smith, recently retired from The University of Georgia, has been heavily involved as a volunteer with many non-profit agencies, community organizations and professional groups in Gainesville-Hall County for more than 25 years.