 Laura Smith |
Lafayette, Colorado: The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) has announced that they have just hired Laura Smith as their new executive director. Smith, a trustee on the BEF board since November 2002 and a player on the Women's Professional Billiard Association (WPBA), will begin immediately at the BEF office in Lafayette, CO.
BEF President, Tom Riccobene was pleased to share, “We're very fortunate to have Laura, a dedicated person and a beautiful representative of our sport. She is very passionate about being able to help us get the foundation going, and her leadership is going to be a tremendous boost to take us there. She will really be able to open her arms and get the BEF the support that it needs.” Riccobene was also quick to assert that the Junior Nationals will happen and that qualifier information will be announced as soon as possible.
Smith will be leaving her job with Cuestix International, with whom she has worked for over 6 years, in order to focus full time on her new position with the BEF.
"It is with passion and appreciation for the life lessons and experiences with which I have been blessed with that I continue to pursue my vision for the growth of the sport. This quest would not be possible without growing the next generation of people who love, and love to play billiards. I see my job as educating and supporting our youth to accomplish these goals."
Recently, the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) announced their plans to transfer the oversight and management of its junior programs, including the BCA Junior National Championship and qualifier series, to the Billiard Education Foundation (BEF). In addition, the BCA pledged to support the BEF's efforts with $50,000 in annual funding over the next three years. This will add considerably to Smith's workload as she takes the reins.
The Billiard Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity organization committed to furthering the standard of excellence and leadership within the billiard community by engaging in activities related to the education and cultural advancement of tomorrow's leaders.
To make a donation to this non-profit organization, please contact Laura Smith at 303-926-1039, or mail it to the BEF office at PO Box 818, Lafayette, CO 80026. To contact Laura Smith via email, please use LauraSmith@BilliardEducation.com.
