40 Under 40: Claudette Smith – Building Trust, Connection, and Community in Charlotte County
December 16th, 2025
Claudette Smith: The Picture of Charlotte County Youth Leadership
When people talk about Charlotte County’s strength, they often mention its beaches, schools, and sense of community. But behind that community spirit are leaders who make connection their mission. One of them is Claudette Smith, Public Information Officer for Charlotte County Public Schools (CCPS) and proud Charlotte County native. 
Claudette doesn’t just share information — she strengthens credibility, drives collaboration, and tells the story of the community that she proudly calls home.
Born and Raised Charlotte
Few people can say they’ve built their career in the same community that built them. Claudette Smith can. Born and raised in Charlotte County, she attended local schools, graduating from Charlotte High School before heading off to Florida Gulf Coast. Her parents moved to the area in the 1950s and set the example for service and hard work that continues to guide her today.
“My mom was a nurse for more than 30 years with Dr. Azar, and after he retired, she began working for the U.S. Postal Service.,” Claudette shared. “My father, who has since passed, owned his own construction company and played an active role in our community. He helped build the YMCA Early Learning Center in Charlotte Harbor, as well as the original Kidspace Park, and served on the Board of Directors for the Charlotte County Fair Association.”
Those family ties shaped her deep connection to Charlotte County. “My roots are planted in this community, and I’m grateful for each opportunity to contribute to its growth,” she said.
A Career in Service
Claudette’s professional story began with public service – and that calling still defines her. She first served as the Public Information Officer for the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, leading communications during some of the county’s most critical moments, including Hurricane Ian, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the loss of a deputy in the line of duty.
“Those experiences taught me that leadership requires both heart and skill,” she said. “In challenging times, transparency and compassion build trust far faster than any press release ever could.”
Her leadership style – rooted in transparency – helped make her a trusted voice in the community. Today, that same approach guides her work with Charlotte County Public Schools, where she has transformed the district’s communication strategy and public image.
Redefining Communication in Education
At Charlotte County Public Schools (CCPS), Claudette leads communications that cultivates authenticity and celebrate the people behind the district’s success. Her work blends strategy with heart- highlighting the stories of students, teachers, and staff who make a daily impact.
Under her leadership, the district has rolled out ParentSquare, a unified communication platform that brought families, teachers, and administrators together in one place for real-time updates. Claudette personally helped guide that transition – training staff, creating how-to resources, and ensuring every school felt supported throughout the process.
She also oversaw a complete district rebrand, refreshing CCPS’s visual identity and online presence to better reflect its mission, values, and sense of community. From social media storytelling to video campaigns like the district’s first “Back to School” video, Claudette and her team have made communication more personal, authentic, and engaging.
Earlier this year, Claudette and the Charlotte County Public Schools Communications team earned three national honors from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). It’s a recognition that underscores her leadership and impact in education. The team received awards for excellence in social media, video storytelling, and digital communications. The award highlighted Exploring Your E’s video series, which showcases how CCPS prepares students to Enlist, Enroll, or become Employed after graduation.
Under Claudette’s guidance, CCPS continues to set a national standard for authentic storytelling and community engagement — proof that Charlotte County’s brand of youth leadership is making waves far beyond Southwest Florida.
She believes the best communication starts with relationships. “The time to build trust is not during a crisis – it’s during blue-sky days.” she says.
Education, Partnership, and the Next Generation
Claudette’s passion extends far beyond press releases and social media posts-it’s about preparing the next generation for success. Through her work at Charlotte County Public Schools, she’s helping shape how the district celebrates its students, staff, and programs while connecting education to community growth.
For Claudette, communication isn’t just about sharing news; it’s about storytelling with purpose. Through every campaign, video, and feature, she highlights how local education strengthens Charlotte County’s workforce and builds a foundation for lifelong success. Whether she’s highlighting teachers who inspire innovation or students who excel both in and beyond the classroom, her goal is to show that opportunity begins right here at home.
“Charlotte County Public Schools play an important role in shaping our community’s future,” she says. “From agriculture to aviation, cybersecurity to culinary arts, we’re giving every student the opportunity to explore their interests and discover their path.”
That mission extends to real partnerships. Claudette emphasizes the importance of collaboration between schools, employers, and community leaders. “We’re working hand-in-hand with local businesses and economic development partners,” she said. “When students discover their passion and see real opportunities close to home, it strengthens our entire community.”
By aligning school programs with community needs and celebrating the people behind them, Claudette is strengthening not just the district’s reputation but its role as a cornerstone of the county’s future.
Charlotte County Youth Leadership: Leading by Example
Beyond her role at Charlotte County Public Schools, Claudette’s commitment to service runs deep. Her calendar is a reflection of her heart; each role she takes on connects to her belief that leadership is about showing up, listening, and giving back.
She serves on the Board of Directors for United Way of Charlotte County. There she helps strengthen programs that lift local families and children. As a proud member of Leadership Charlotte Class of 2025, Claudette helped establish the Children’s Enrichment Fund of Charlotte County, a legacy initiative designed to expand opportunities for youth beyond the classroom. She chairs the Golden Apple Gala with the Charlotte Local Education Foundation, bringing the community together to celebrate the district’s Teacher and Support Employee of the Year.
Her professional dedication extends statewide. She lends her voice and expertise through the National and Sunshine State School Public Relations Associations, and she serves on a statewide steering committee for the Florida Association of District School Superintendents (FADSS) – advancing communication and community engagement across Florida’s education system.
“Public service has made me a better mother, wife, and person,” she said. “In the absolute best way.”
Life in Charlotte County: Where Family and Community Meet
When she’s not working, you’ll likely find Claudette and her family soaking in the coastal lifestyle that makes Charlotte County so special. Whether it’s an early morning on the water or a late night cheering on her kids at a game, her weekends are a reminder that this community is as much about connection as it is about place.
“My family feels most at home on the water,” she said. “We love fishing and boating. It’s how we recharge.” The peace of being on the water provides the perfect balance to her fast-paced career. Her perfect Saturday morning starts exactly where many locals and visitors begin their own: on the Harborwalk. “A stroll along the Harborwalk and a stop at the Farmers Market with a coffee in hand,” she smiles. “It’s the best way to ease into a low-key weekend.”
She enjoys supporting local favorites like Mercer’s Coffee and Leroy’s. When it’s time to unwind completely, she escapes to Boca Grande or Little Gasparilla Island. These are places that reflect the peaceful, family-centered charm of Charlotte County’s coast.
That balance of meaningful work and laid-back living is what Claudette believes makes Charlotte County a magnet for professionals seeking Careers on the Coast – a place where purpose and quality of life coexist.
A Message to Future Leaders
Asked what advice she would give to young professionals, Claudette doesn’t hesitate: “Get connected where you’re passionate. When you care about the work, the impact comes naturally.”
She also shares one of her favorite reminders, written on a sign in her office: “Work hard and be nice to people.”
They are simple words; but they perfectly capture the heart of a leader who has built her career, her family, and her life right here in Charlotte County.
Claudette Smith represents everything the 40 Under 40 series celebrates – leadership rooted in service, creativity, and community pride. Her story is proof that Charlotte County isn’t just a wonderful place to live and work. It’s a place where passion and purpose meet.
Rapid-Fire Fun Questions
Coffee or tea? Both! Coffee in the morning, tea at night!
Favorite Charlotte County beach? Boca and Little Gasparilla Island
One word that describes Charlotte County? Resilient
Go-to local restaurant or café? Mercer’s is my go-to for coffee, and Leroy’s or The Perfect Caper covers everything else.
First thing you’d tell someone visiting Charlotte County for the first time?
I actually always ask a question because I’m always curious how people found us, so I start with, ‘What brought you to Charlotte?’
I would probably tell them the recipe for a perfect Saturday morning: Take a stroll along the Harborwalk and wander through the Farmers Market with a coffee in hand. It’s the best way to ease into a low-key weekend.”
