Golden LEAF welcomes new Controller | Eastern North Carolina Now

    On January 18, 2021, the Golden LEAF Foundation welcomed Erica L. Smith as Golden LEAF's next Controller, following the retirement announcement of long-time Controller, Beth Edmondson.

    "We are excited for Erica to join the team to help carry out the mission of Golden LEAF," said Scott T. Hamilton, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer. "Erica's skills and expertise in financial reporting and data analysis will be an asset to the Foundation's work."

    The Controller directs all financial activities of the Foundation, establishes policies and procedures to support these activities, and ensures compliance of the policies

    Before joining the Foundation, Smith was Senior Vice President - Financial Reporting Manager for First Bancorp in Southern Pines, N.C. She began her career with KPMG in Raleigh. Smith has been a certified public accountant (CPA) for 15 years.

    Smith was born and raised in Snow Hill, North Carolina, and now lives in Stantonsburg with her husband, 12 year old son and 5 year old daughter. She received her undergraduate degree in business administration and Master of Accounting degree from UNC-Chapel Hill. She is a member of the North Carolina Association of CPAs and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.