Board of Directors: Member Highlight
A Conversation with Board President Emily Smith
Emily Smith is the President of CFEC's Board of Directors for the 2026-27 academic year. With the start of a new school year, CFEC has a variety of goals ahead, and we wanted to showcase the vision guiding the school forward. The following responses feature Emily's perspective on where the organization stands today and the strategic approach to helping our students reach their fullest potential.
What are some current key strengths that CFEC demonstrates? What might be some target areas of improvement or prospective challenges?
One of CFEC's greatest strengths is its deep expertise in serving exceptional children and their families. The Centers provide a unique environment where children with special needs can experience preschool and elementary school in a nurturing, supportive, and ability-focused setting. At CFEC, the emphasis is on each child's potential and ensuring opportunities for growth across all areas of development through the support of highly trained staff, therapists, and medical professionals.
While many people recognize CFEC as a physical location on Reynolda and Shattalon, its impact extends far beyond these two buildings. CFEC serves families across a six-county region, supporting children from birth through age 21 with educational services, advocacy, parenting resources, and ongoing support. It is truly a one-of-a-kind community that enables children and families in Winston-Salem and beyond to thrive.
At the same time, CFEC faces ongoing challenges as community needs and government resources continue to evolve. A key priority is diversifying funding streams while increasing community awareness of the full scope of CFEC's services. One of the most immediate challenges is bringing CFEC back to the forefront of community consciousness as a meaningful and impactful option for philanthropic support.
What are some strategic measures the Board will be taking in effort to help achieve this vision for CFEC?
As with any growing organization, adaptability is essential. Over the coming year, the Board will focus on developing a comprehensive strategic plan that assesses current community needs and identifies opportunities to expand CFEC's impact. This includes evaluating how to best serve families within existing programs while also exploring new approaches that may reach a broader audience or address unmet needs. Strengthening partnerships, increasing visibility, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability will be key components of this effort.
Where do you hope to see CFEC in the next two years?
In the next two years, I hope to see CFEC as a thriving and growing organization that continues to deliver exceptional care and services to children with special needs from birth through age 21. I envision an expansion in both capacity and reach - serving more children within our centers while also strengthening community-based support for families. Ultimately, the goal is for CFEC to deepen its impact, broaden its resources, and continue to be a vital and trusted part of the community.
