United Way hires new executive director

Press release

United Way of Hill County has hired Andrea Smartt as its new executive director.

Smartt succeeds Jessica Nebel, who moved from Havre earlier this year.

“We are excited to have Andrea on board,” said Krystal Steinmetz, president of the United Way of Hill County board of directors. “Her personality and energy are a great fit for our organization.”

Smartt is a Missoula native. After she graduated from high school, Smartt completed nine months in the AmeriCorps NCCC, a national civilian community service program. With AmeriCorps, Smartt said, she was able to travel across the country “experiencing new communities and cultures” while volunteering with nonprofit and community organizations. Smartt earned the Presidential Service Award for completing more than 1,500 hours of community service with AmeriCorps.

After her stint with AmeriCorps was complete, Smartt served as a full-time volunteer coordinator and site supervisor for Emergency Communities, an organization that formed in 2005 to help provide meals and other relief services to people devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

It’s that passion for volunteer work that led Smartt to apply for a job with United Way of Hill County, she said. She added that she is excited to lead the organization and expand its reach and community impact. She believes connecting with youth is critical, she said.

“Havre already has an amazing and impactful volunteer force, who invest in this community with their compassion and service,” Smartt said. “My vision is to tap into the next generation of volunteers and to get them excited and engaged as well.”

Smartt is married to Mike Smartt, who works for BNSF. Together they have two children, Colson, 6, and Finnley, 3.

For more information on United Way of Hill County, call 265-6561.