The Middle Peninsula District Planning District Commission has named Curt Smith as deputy director.Smith credits his Eastern Shore roots for his commitment to ensuring rural coastal Virginia communities thrive.

“My passion is rural coastal Virginia,” said Smith, who grew up in the seaside town of Wachapreague in Accomack County. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work for these folks and these communities. I feel like I am one of them, and I am thankful to represent the Middle Peninsula and do good things for those who live and work there.”

Smith and MPPDC Executive Director Lewie Lawrence collaborated frequently in Smith’s former role, Director of Planning for the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission, a position he held for 10 years. “I met Lewie very early in my tenure there,” Smith said. “He has been both an excellent teacher and a mentor to me for a long time.”“The Eastern Shore and the Middle Peninsula face some similar challenges,” Lawrence said. “Curt brin...