Josh Smith

Josh Smith has been selected to serve as New Hanover County’s chief communications officer beginning July 11.

Smith comes to New Hanover County Government after serving as the chief communications officer for New Hanover County Schools since 2021. He takes over the role following the promotion of Jessica Loeper to assistant county manager in April.

“Our county’s communications and outreach team does an outstanding job providing information to the public and our media partners about the initiatives and opportunities taking place within New Hanover County,” said County Manager Chris Coudriet in the release. He said he expects that "standard of excellence continue under Josh’s leadership as he brings vast experience in communications and familiarity with our community to the position.”

A West Virginia native, Smith holds an undergraduate degree in political science from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in strategic public relations from George Washington University.

Prior to his work for New Hanover County Schools, Smith spent more than two decades in the Marine Corps, including time as a leader in strategic communications since 2010 and communications director at Marine Corps Headquarters in the Pentagon from 2019 until his retirement from the Corps in 2021. 

Under his leadership, New Hanover County Schools has won numerous awards, including a Best of the Best honor for Excellence in Writing and an additional 29 Blue Ribbon Awards from the North Carolina School Public Relations Association last year.

Smith said in the release, “Getting to know the people who call this place home and understand our community the last few years has been tremendously rewarding, and I’m looking forward to continuing to serve our citizens in this new role.”