With more than 15 years of experience in governmental accounting within a school district environment, Terri Smith has been named the district’s new Chief Finance Officer following the retirement of Elaine Bilton, who served in the position since 2008. In her eight years, Bilton helped to shepherd the district through some of the most challenging and unstable economic times in the history of the district. Mrs. Smith currently works in the School District of Pickens County where Dr. Pew served as superintendent before moving to Rock Hill in 2014.
“I’m really excited about this opportunity to work with Rock Hill Schools,” Smith said. “With regard to size, Rock Hill is very similar to Pickens and is a very strong district with great leadership. I’ve heard many great things about the district, its students and staff, and the Rock Hill community.”
Smith, who will oversee a $147 million general fund budget and additional capital improvement projects totaling more than $130 million, has held a variety positions in Pickens since 2008. Most recently, she has been the coordinator of accounting and budgeting where she has directed and coordinated day-to-day financial operations of the district. Before relocating to South Carolina, Smith worked for six years in the accounting department of Weld County School District 6 in Greeley, Colo.
She holds degrees from Colorado State University-Pueblo and Rutgers University. Smith is a certified school business officer with the South Carolina Association of School Business Officials.