DURHAM, NC, April 08, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

A visionary leader in North Carolina's educational field, Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith is the senior director at the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity. Since stepping into this position in 2022, she has demonstrated excellence in helping people understand their commitment to school integration and addressing inequities in the education system to ensure every child can thrive. As part of her crucial role, Dr. Townsend-Smith conducts presentations across North Carolina and collaborates with her staff to implement programs to help children succeed in school. Under her leadership, the center has expanded from four to twenty programs, a testmant to her dedication to educational advancement and her persistence through challenging times.

Prior to her current position, Dr. Townsend-Smith was an independent business owner with Rodan + Fields starting in 2017. Her career trajectory also includes significant roles such as assistant director at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction from 2015 to 2018, where she was pivotal in charter school administration, and executive director for policy and operations at the North Carolina State Board of Education, where she led critical policy initiatives from 2018 to 2022.

Dr. Townsend-Smith's career began in teaching; she taught second grade for several years before moving on to third grade and middle school education. She then transitioned into administrative roles, including assistant principal at Maureen Joy and various positions at National Heritage Academies, such as administrator, testing coordinator, new teacher coach, and curriculum coordinator.

Known among her peers for her passion and dedication, Dr. Townsend-Smith's professional achievements have been recognized with honors such as the Legacy of Excellence Award from Teach for America in 2025 and the Leadership in Education Award from her church. Additionally, she was honored by the North Carolina State Board of Education for her contributions in 2022. She is a member of esteemed organizations like the National Staff Development Council and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Dr. Townsend-Smith's academic background includes a Doctor of Education in educational leadership with a focus on curriculum and instruction from the University of Phoenix in 2014, a Master of Education in elementary education from the University of Phoenix in 2003, and a Bachelor of Science in parks and recreation management with a concentration in recreational therapy from North Carolina Central University in 1997. Her teaching certification from the State of North Carolina further underscores her commitment to education.

Beyond her professional life, Dr. Townsend-Smith is actively involved in civic organizations as an advisory member of a local credit union board and a board member for both the Flood Group community organization and Profound Ladies, which supports teachers of color. She is also a contributor and donor to North Carolina Central University and various charities for children. Her extensive experience is complemented by her authorship of "My Fertility Journey: Expect, Position and Endure," published on Amazon in 2017.

In her personal life, Dr. Townsend-Smith enjoys traveling with family and friends, reading, and learning new things. She is proud of her family, including her son. Looking ahead, she aims to solidify the legacy of Dr. Dudley Flood by sharing his story through expanding the organization and opening a museum dedicated to his work.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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