Halifax County selected Sanethia M. Smith as the county’s new finance director, effective July 15. 

Smith will fill the role following the retirement of Finance Director Mary Duncan on June 30 after 25 years of service — 12.5  as finance director — to Halifax County. 

Smith will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the finance department, including administration of the county’s $64 million budget, fiscal management of the Airport Authority and Tourism Development Authority budgets, and oversight of numerous grant- and county-funded projects.

“I am honored and excited to join Halifax County as Finance Director,” said Smith. “I look forward to working collaboratively with the board of commissioners, the county manager, and county staff to promote sound financial management, transparency, and accountability in the stewardship of the county’s resources.”

Smith comes to Halifax County after serving as the Hertford County finance director. Prior to that role, she was the CFO for Halifax Community College. 

With more than 13 years of experience in finance and accounting, Smith has developed expertise in budgeting, financial reporting, and fiscal management.

Originally from Enfield, Smith is a graduate of Halifax County Schools. She received her Associate of Applied Science in Accounting and Business Administration from Nash Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management from DeVry University, and a Master of Accounting and Financial Management from Keller Graduate School of Management.

“I am excited for Ms. Smith to join my talented and dedicated team of department heads,” said County Manager Dia Denton. “Her local government finance experience and familiarity with Halifax County make her a great fit. We are bringing home another professional who was born and raised right here in Halifax County.”

For the past 12 years, Smith has called Roanoke Rapids home, where she resides with her husband and two children.