Paula Smith

Paula Smith and her husband first came to Gulf County in 2020 on the recommendation of a friend. As lifetime residents of Michigan, they were looking for a place to escape winter and stay active. They traveled all over the southern US deciding to build a home in the Indian Pass Area of Gulf County. She earned a BS from Grand Valley State University and a MSA from Central Michigan University. She worked 20 years in Human Resources and Business Administration until starting her own dog training business that she still runs. She previously served on Grand Haven Township Park Board in Michigan creating hiking trails. She has volunteered on various dog rescue boards since 2009 and is very passionate about dog behavior and wellness. She is active with Port St Joe Garden Club and St Joseph Bay Humane Society. She is very passionate about National Parks and Wildlife Refuges and was very excited to volunteer at St Vincent’s to help where possible with animal conservation efforts. She joined this board in 2026.