Stephen Smith, Kerry Scott add expertise to Chamber as search for new executive director continues

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce is expanding its relationship with a local agency to offer greater service to Chamber members.

“As we prepare to fill the executive director position being vacated by Jennifer McCurdy, the board recognized a way to not only fill the gap but to reimagine the structure of the Chamber staff,” says Mike Shirey, general manager of the FPIA and president of the Chamber board of directors. “By expanding our relationship with The Lookout Media Group, we will help ensure the success of our next executive director while expanding services to our members.”

Stephen Smith, owner of The Lookout Media Group, will serve as director of strategy. He has an extensive background in strategy and communications, having operated his own small business for 25 years that worked with communi

ty-based electric and broadband providers across the Eastern U.S.

Alongside his wife and business partner, Michele, Smith grew their two-person agency WordSouth to one with 30 employees serving clients across several states. The company was named to the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing independent businesses in 2020. He negotiated the successful sale of that agency to a strategic acquirer, an Oregon-based national communications firm. S

mith earned his certification as a Value Builder® Advisor in 2022. His new agency, The Lookout Media Group, is focused on serving small businesses and community organizations in the region.

He has consulted with the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce on strategy and supported various communications projects since early 2022.

Kerry Scott has worked with the Smiths since 2005, when she joined the

WordSouth team. She served as a project manager, account manager, writer, designer, and department lead, helping several clients earn state and national awards. Scott has extensive experience helping businesses develop their message and communicate it through a variety of channels.

Scott has coordinated the social media program for the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce since early 2023.

Smith will focus on establishing a strong program of networking and lear

ning opportunities for Chamber members, as well as providing overall strategic direction and consultation for the incoming executive director. Scott will coordinate the many components of the Chamber’s communications program, from social media and email to event coverage and overall Chamber updates.

“I’m excited to work with the Chamber during this time of transition,” says

 

f executive director for the DeKalb County Entrepreneurial Center, coordinated by Northeast Alabama Community College. “We wish Jennifer all the best in her new position,” says Shirey. “It’s a big loss for the Chamber, but a big win for the county overall. As she departs, we are confident our new strategy will bolster the Chamber’s efforts to support the progress of Fort Payne’s business community.” Smith. “I was born and raised in Fort Payne, and I love this town. After so many years of working with businesses across the country, I’m thrilled to focus on serving local organizations.”

Scott agrees. “Expanding my communications support for the Chamber gives me an opportunity to further engrain myself within Fort Payne’s business community,” she says, “I’m excited to apply my expertise gained from years of working with companies across several states to help our area grow and prosper.”

McCurdy, the outgoing executive director, has assumed the position o