CAM seeking new executive director

After nearly five years of serving as executive director at Coordinated Assistance Ministries, Monday is Dennine Smith's last day at the helm.

According to a CAM media release, Smith will be relocating with her husband, the Rev. Dr. William J. Smith, to Atlanta, Georgia, where he will serve as senior pastor of Wheat Street Baptist Church.

A search committee of community leaders has already been formed to find another candidate to fill Smith's seat, per the release, and Melanie Waggoner — the organization's Day Shelter manager — will stay on in the interim.

Smith has been in a leadership role with CAM, which provides assistance and resources to individuals and families in need of housing and economic stability, since 2019.

Smith also oversaw several projects during her time with CAM, including the creation of the Howard County Connect transportation service in 2021 and the opening of the organization's new Union Street facility in June 2022.

During the building's dedication, Smith told the Tribune it was a monumental step in CAM's 30-plus year existence in Howard County.

"We want to equip people," Smith said at the time. "We want them to move forward so that they can make a difference and grow and use this place as a catapult to get to the next level. ... This new building allows that to happen."

And last month — less than three years after dedicating the building at 625 N. Union St. — Smith and other officials were able to take full ownership after an outpouring of community support and a handful of anonymous donations.

"We're here to help people, to empower people, to serve people and do it in a way that honors God," she told the crowd that day. "And so, with God's guidance, we've done it."

And because of her work at CAM, Smith was recognized earlier this year with the Jefferson Award from Indianapolis news station WRTV.

The Jefferson Award, according to WRTV's website, recognizes men and women across Central Indiana who are making a difference in their communities.

"I feel extremely honored," Smith told the Tribune shortly after receiving the award. "I always hope that my efforts to work with our clients positively impacts their lives."

As for her time with CAM, Smith stated in the media release she was proud of CAM's presence in the community, and she was thankful to all those she helped serve through the years.

"I am certain that I completed the assignment that God gave me to do during my time in this role," Smith said in the release. "So I am ending this chapter with gratitude and joy."

Smith added the CAM "team" accomplished so many objectives during Smith's time there, and she's appreciative of the community that walked alongside her.

"The many churches, businesses, community organizations and individuals who were supportive of the purchase of our new building, transportation service needs, hygiene kits, emergency food pantry, and the other projects through the years, played such an important role in our success," Smith wrote in the release. "I offer my most sincere thanks for our community's support and partnership."

CAM, is asking anyone who would like to extend well wishes for Smith to post them to the "CAM Hope" Facebook page.