Cheryl Hart Smith is one of six new members elected to serve a two-year term on the national United Cerebral Palsy Board of Trustees.

“We’re proud to welcome our new trustees. Each of these individuals has had an impressive history of engagement in the disability community and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the board,” said United Cerebral Palsy President and CEO Armando Contreras.

Mrs. Smith is in her 38th year as Chief Executive Officer of United Cerebral Palsy of Huntsville and Tennessee Valley. Under Mrs. Smith’s leadership, the organization grew from a part-time therapy program for children with cerebral palsy into a leading therapeutic, educational and technology center providing a wide range of services for individuals with developmental, acquired and aging disabilities.

Mrs. Smith is currently serving her fourth term as an appointee of Governor Kay Ivey to the Alabama Lifespan Respite Coalition. She also serves as Treasurer of the Disability Leadership Coalition of Alabama, member and current Co-chair of the ARCH National Respite Conference Planning Committee, Curriculum Co-chair of the Alabama Early Intervention & Preschool Conference, member of the UCP National Conference Planning Committee, and Past Chair of the UCP South Regional Administrative Council before joining the UCP National Board of Trustees.

Cheryl was very honored to receive the 2024 Kathy O. Maul Leadership Award from her peers at the 2024 UCP National Conference.

The Madison, AL resident obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration-Finance degree in 1983 from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She is married to Circuit Judge James P. Smith, is an active member of Rotary Club of Greater Huntsville and Delta Zeta Huntsville Alumnae Chapter, and enjoys collegiate football, hiking and spending time with their daughter Lauren and Golden Retriever Violet.

Since 1949, the UCP network of affiliates and partners has been committed to creating a world where people with disabilities can live life without limits. Through advocacy, research, education, and a wide range of resources and programs, the non-profit organization works to promote inclusion, independence, and opportunity for all.