Chief Jennifer Smith
First Vice President
New Hanover County Fire & Rescue
Battalion Chief Jennifer Smith began her career as a volunteer for Winter Park Volunteer Fire Department while still a student at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. In 1998, she was hired by New Hanover County Fire Rescue and has risen through the ranks to battalion chief supervising teams working on budget, human resources, data analysis, planning, and accreditation.
She has completed the Executive Fire Officer program and holds dual designation as Chief Fire Officer and Chief Training Officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence. She has degrees in marine biology and fire science. She completed her Master’s Degree in Public Administration in 2016.
Chief Smith teaches online degree classes for the Fire Protection Technology and Emergency Management curriculum at Cape Fear Community College. She serves as the public safety representative on the Southeast Area Technical High School Advisory Board, Wilmington’s newest technical high school. She also serves as the secretary for the non-profit Life and Safety Education Resources, which helps support life safety education in the Cape Fear region. Most recently, she has served as a director on the board of the Eastern Carolina Firefighters Association.
Smith spends her time volunteering as a leader for area scout troops. She serves as the Northeast Cape Fear District Committee Chair for the Cape Fear Council Boy Scouts of America.
She enjoys traveling and outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, cycling, and kayaking. When life slows down, she enjoys spending time with her family and reading a good book. She currently resides in Leland with her husband Mack and their three children.
CHIEF JENNIFER SMITH
New Hanover County Fire & Rescue
230 Government Center Drive
Suite 130
Wilmington, NC 28403
Office: (910) 798-7080
Fax: (910) 798-7052
