News

Literacy Connection announces new executive director

Kelly Hart

By Lightning Reports, Published: June 28, 2024

The Literacy Connection has announced that Kelly Hart, who has been program director at Smart Start since 2018,  will become its new executive director.

"Kelly's lifelong commitment to empowering people to achieve their dreams resonated throughout the interview process," Literacy Connection President Donnie Parks said in announcing the hire. "She brings deep roots in the Hendersonville community and a wealth of nonprofit management and leadership experience, most recently serving on Smart Start’s leadership team."

At Smart Start, Hart has coordinated early literacy programs including Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and Reach Out and Read. Prior to Smart Start, she provided ESOL and career development instruction to adult learners and taught English, career readiness and life skills in Rwanda to students grades 4-12 from 20 nations.

She also participated in the United Way’s Rising Leaders and Women United programs and is a graduate of Vision Henderson County. She has holds a master of library science degree and a master of counseling mental health degree, in addition to a bachelor of arts in psychology. A licensed foster parent, Kelly has personally practiced empowering young people to achieve social and economic success in the community, Parks said.