Kaitlyn serves as the Community Development Coordinator for the Economic Development team, where she supports the Community Development Manager in leading education, military, and legislative initiatives.
A proud graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Kaitlyn earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. During her undergraduate years, she held various roles within Southern Miss Athletics, gaining experience in athletic marketing, football recruiting, administrative support, and donor relations.
She later earned her Master’s degree in Sports Administration from Belmont University in Nashville, TN. While there, Kaitlyn worked as an athletic marketing graduate assistant, serving as the lead game producer for Belmont volleyball and basketball. In this role, she led scriptwriting and enhanced the programs’ social media presence.
Prior to joining the ADP, Kaitlyn worked as an Administrative Support Specialist for the Southern Miss Athletics Department, where she provided expert administrative assistance and managed both daily operations and special projects with precision.
A Hattiesburg native, Kaitlyn is an active member of Temple Baptist Church and a Delta Gamma alumna. She and her husband, Dax Smith, welcomed their son, Rhodes, in July 2024—and they absolutely adore him. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new places with Dax, Rhodes, and their two dogs, Winnie and Woods.