SEVEN SPRINGS, PA — The County Commissioners’ Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) the week of August 17 named Wayne County Commissioner Chairman Brian W. Smith as Commissioner of the Year during its annual conference in Somerset County. He is the first Commissioner from Wayne County to receive this honor. 

Smith, of Damascus Township, has served as Commissioner since 2008. CCAP officials lauded him for his ability to put the good of the county ahead of politics and personal gain and his ability to govern with common sense and compassion. 

While the list of accomplishments under his tenure is long, he was specifically praised for the role he played in the formation and success of the Wayne Tomorrow! initiative; the Wayne Economic Growth Fund; the opening of multiple county waterways, trails and parks projects; broadband improvements, the Stourbridge Project and his efforts in getting the agriculture curriculum restarted at Honesdale High School. 

Among his appointed roles are serving on the Wayne Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO), Ag Preservation, Conservation District boards, and the Wayne Highlands Occupational Advisory Committee. 

During the awards ceremony, he was credited with having a can-do attitude that brings all sides to the table to be heard and to try to find common ground for a solution that benefits the good of the whole.

CCAP Vice President Joseph Kantz, of Snyder County, said the award is “in recognition of his outstanding service, leadership and significant contributions to the quality of life in his county and for his many positions of leadership and service within our association.”

Wayne County Commissioner Jocelyn Cramer, in Smith’s nomination letter to the CCAP Awards Committee, said “Brian is conservative and compassionate. He leads with grit, integrity and respect for those he works with and those he represents.”

At CCAP, Smith serves as chairman of the Agriculture Committee and the 11-county consortium that encompasses District 7.

Smith said he governs for the right reasons and was proud to hear in part of his introductory comments at the awards ceremony that Wayne County has earned a reputation across the state for being a model in how to govern collaboratively. “Hearing that was affirmation that all our efforts over the past 18 years have been worthwhile and I’m glad others are recognizing the Wayne County way truly works.”

“Brian has a deep respect for the citizens of our county and a true desire to do what’s best for them while being very conservative with taxpayer dollars,” said Wayne County Commissioner James Shook. 

Crediting all the commissioners, chief clerks and solicitors he’s served with, he also thanked county employees for all they do and contributing to making Wayne County a great place to live, work in, visit and raise a family. 

Smith was joined at the awards ceremony by his wife Amy. The Smiths have six children and 17 grandchildren.