Forsyth Tech Names Dr. Madeline Smith Chief Officer

Forsyth Tech News  |  Leadership

Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has named Dr. Madeline Smith chief officer for strategic finance and operations, effective Dec. 1, 2026. Smith joins Forsyth Tech from Isothermal Community College with more than 15 years of leadership experience across state government, nonprofits, a tier 1 research university and community colleges.

Who is Dr. Madeline Smith, Forsyth Tech’s new chief officer?

Dr. Madeline Smith comes to Forsyth Tech from Isothermal Community College, where she served as vice president of strategy and operations. She brings more than 15 years of leadership experience across state government, nonprofit organizations, a tier 1 research university and community college settings.

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Smith began her career with the Ohio Governor’s Office and the Ohio Department of Higher Education, where she developed a passion for aligning higher education with the future of work. She went on to hold leadership roles in institutional effectiveness before joining The Hunt Institute, a national nonprofit based in Raleigh that unites policymakers and educators to transform education systems.

Why Forsyth Tech hired her

Forsyth Tech announced the appointment Oct. 14, 2026. Dr. Janet Spriggs, president of Forsyth Tech, pointed to Smith’s record of delivering large and complex work, from the largest design-build capital project in the history of the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) to the modernization of a college’s financial operations.

“She understands how community colleges work and how they connect students to good careers. We are confident she will help Forsyth Tech continue to give everyone in our community the opportunity to rise, thrive and lead.”

Dr. Janet Spriggs, president of Forsyth Tech

Smith joins Forsyth Tech’s leadership team on Dec. 1, 2026.

How her career connects higher education and the workforce

As managing director at The Hunt Institute, Smith worked with community colleges across the North Carolina Community College System and supported the organization’s operations and budget management. Her earlier work in Ohio state government shaped a focus on aligning higher education with the future of work, the same connection she described in discussing her new role.

“Higher education works best when it is closely connected to the workforce and the people it serves, and Forsyth Tech is a model of that connection. I look forward to partnering with faculty, staff, students, employers and community leaders to open new pathways to opportunity for the people of Forsyth and Stokes Counties,” Smith said.

When Dr. Smith starts at Forsyth Tech

Smith’s appointment is effective Dec. 1, 2026. She is a member of the 2026 Aspiring Presidents Institute at the Belk Center at North Carolina State University.

Smith holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration from William & Mary, along with graduate and undergraduate degrees from Ohio University and The Ohio State University.

Forsyth Tech’s mission and vision center on meeting learners where they are and opening flexible pathways to thriving careers in Forsyth and Stokes counties.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Forsyth Tech’s new chief officer for strategic finance and operations?

Dr. Madeline Smith has been named chief officer for strategic finance and operations at Forsyth Technical Community College. Forsyth Tech announced the appointment Oct. 14, 2026.

When does Dr. Madeline Smith start at Forsyth Tech?

Her appointment is effective Dec. 1, 2026.

Where did Dr. Madeline Smith work before Forsyth Tech?

She served as vice president of strategy and operations at Isothermal Community College. Earlier in her career she was managing director at The Hunt Institute, a national nonprofit based in Raleigh, and worked for the Ohio Governor’s Office and the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

What degrees does Dr. Madeline Smith hold?

She holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration from William & Mary, plus graduate and undergraduate degrees from Ohio University and The Ohio State University.

Who leads Forsyth Technical Community College?

Dr. Janet Spriggs is president of Forsyth Tech. President Spriggs said Smith has a proven record of turning big plans into results.