Ruth Ravitz Smith joined New Hanover County in September 2015 to lead its external relations as the county’s first Chief Communications Officer. Her role encompasses media and government relations, outreach to community organizations, oversight of NHCTV – the county’s public television station, and marketing and branding of county activities and services.
Smith’s background of over thirty years of external relations experience includes government service at the federal, state and county levels, global responsibilities at major corporations, and representation of companies, associations, and non-profits.
In addition to owning her own consulting business, Smith has worked for GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, GE Oil & Gas, Alstom, The Travelers, Northeast Utilities, and the Aerospace Industries Association. She also ran the State of Connecticut’s office in Washington, DC.
Smith is widely recognized for her business and political acumen, strategic leadership, successful advocacy, and for building and sustaining strategic relationships that allow organizations to meet their business objectives around the globe.
Smith received a M.B.A from Marymount University, and a B.A. in Law and Society from Hood College. She is certified to Teach English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), serves on the board of the United Way of the Cape Fear Area, is a graduate of the 2018 Leadership Wilmington program, and is an active mentor to college students and young professionals.
