Leadership Tyler, a nonprofit organization that equips leaders to enrich the Tyler community, has selected Smittee Root as its new executive director.

Root, a member of LT class 21, had been serving as the president of the board of directors for the organization. The board unanimously asked her to resign her board position and accept the executive director role, according to current LT board president, Shannon Dacus.

“Following the resignation of our executive director in May, Smittee stepped into this role on a temporary basis as part her board president responsibilities,” Dacus said. “Because of the outstanding leadership, strong organizational skills and knowledge of our organization displayed by Smittee during this interim period, the board felt confident that she could best serve the organization by permanently filling this vital position.”

When Root resigned as board president, Dacus, the organization’s president-elect, became president of Leadership Tyler. Dacus is an attorney practicing with The Dacus Firm.

“While I didn’t seek this position, I am proud and humbled to have been asked to become the executive director of Leadership Tyler,” Root said. “My association with LT has helped me connect with my community in a unique way and has fostered a love of Tyler and all it has to offer — especially its people.” Root has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from The University of Texas at Tyler. She has worked for several organizations during her career, including manufacturing and technology firms, where she served in various marketing, customer service and employee development roles. Root has completed numerous leadership and communication training programs.

A non-profit organization formed in 1986, Leadership Tyler provides opportunities for people to improve their professional skills, learn about the Tyler area and serve as community leaders. The Leadership Tyler curriculum educates class members about vital issues that affect our community, while developing their leadership and stewardship tools to address those issues and motivate others. In the process, relationships are built to help improve quality of life in Tyler. Leadership Tyler offers in-depth training from leading experts on a variety of topics, including communication and presentation techniques, behavioral style assessment, strategic thinking, media relations and more.

For more information, visit the Leadership Tyler website at www.leadershiptyler.org.