Abby Smith serves as Manager of Strategic Economic Partnerships at Heartland Forward, where she leads workforce development initiatives that strengthen talent pipelines, expand access to high-demand careers and build partnerships that advance economic opportunity across the heartland. Working at the intersection of workforce, education, industry and economic development, she helps translate research into collaborative strategies and initiatives that support regional competitiveness and long-term workforce growth.

Prior to joining Heartland Forward, Abby served as Community Development Officer for The Bank of Fayetteville, leading philanthropy and community partnerships that supported local development efforts. She also served as Director of Operations for SOAR Afterschool, overseeing programming, fundraising and organizational strategy.

Abby holds both a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work from the University of Arkansas. A native of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, she is passionate about expanding opportunity and strengthening communities across the heartland.