Barbara Hadley Smith

Barbara Hadley Smith graduated from Indiana University (Bloomington) and worked as a teacher, journalist, and community organizer before spending 25 years as a press secretary/communications director for local and state officials and agencies and political candidates. She served in that capacity for Louisville and Lexington mayors, a Kentucky governor, and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services among others. Since retiring from state government, Barbara has worked with local and state organizations to promote civic engagement in public issues, programs for homeless women and families, and efforts to make healthcare more accessible and affordable. Early in her career she worked for two doctors who were public officials, which sparked her interest in health care policy and the real effects on people who did not benefit from our current system. We may not be able to achieve the changes needed today, but at least we can stimulate the conversations and raise awareness of the possibilities.