RVO Names New Board President

By Wilson Cherry

Kelly Smith has accepted the role of President of the Board of Directors of Rowan Vocational Opportunities, Inc. according to Gary Yelton, Executive Director. She has been a board member for nearly ten years and replaces Gary Elmore, who recently accepted the position of Production Manager at Cabarrus Vocational Opportunities.

Kelly is a graduate of East Rowan High School and earned a Bachelor’ degree in Business Administration from Catawba College. She currently serves as Manager of Legal Compliance Records for Retail Business Services, LLC, a division of Ahold Delhaize, USA. She is also a member of the Granite Quarry Zoning Board of Adjustment and a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Salisbury. Kelly is active in several community service projects as well. She has been married to her husband, Todd, for over 30 years.

“Having worked with Kelly previously, she has demonstrated her commitment and passionate support for individuals and groups with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. I am looking forward to collaborating with Kelly and our other board members to positively impact the lives of those we serve in the greater Rowan and Cabarrus communities,” said Yelton.

“I want to thank Gary Elmore for his leadership as President for our board, as well as welcome him as our new Production Manager at Cabarrus Vocational Opportunities. He has been a hardworking, dedicated leader during this time of change and transformation,” said Yelton.

Gary Elmore joins RVO from Fisher Athletic Equipment where he spent 14 years as Production Manager. He is a graduate of Campbell University where he played Varsity Basketball and later served four years as the men’s assistant basketball coach. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Administration.

Gary previously served as a member of the RVO Board of Directors since 2011, and in 2016 assumed the President position. Elmore resides in Salisbury with his wife, Greta, and they have two daughters, Hannah and Lindsay.

“I thank Gary for all of his service over the years and welcome him to our administrative staff,” said Yelton.

Board members are all volunteers who give their time, talents, and expertise to help RVO reach its goals and successfully carry out its mission. Board members help the agency set policies, develop long-range plans, and prepare budgets; among many other duties.

“I also would like to thank all of our board members for their dedicated service as we face many challenges during this time of the pandemic,” Yelton concluded.

RVO has been designated as an essential service by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.