The board of directors of the Love Community Center (LCC) is excited to announce they have hired a director, Zuzana Smith.

Smith and her family came to Indiana from Utah. Zuzi, as she goes by, has spent more than seven years managing all aspects of several outdoor recreation properties. With her experience she brings an impressive skill set – facility management, budget oversight, hospitality, staff training and development, and community collaboration.

The Smiths moved to Rush County in May of this year when her husband, Nick, secured a position at Diamond Pet Foods. They are thrilled to be living closer to his family and for the opportunity to own land. Their dream has been to raise their two boys alongside farm animals and a garden of their own. They recently purchased an old farmhouse with acreage and the requisite seven layers of wallpaper, which is keeping them busy. “We’re calling it a restoration, not a remodel,” she smiled.

Very friendly and approachable, Smith has a talent for making others feel at ease, even as a newcomer. Her self-confidence shines through authentically yet unassumingly. She’s immediately likeable.

Building community is a core value that drives Zuzana Smith. And one that meshes perfectly with this decades-long, community-driven dream about to become reality.

“If I had to pick one word to describe myself, it would be ‘host,’” she reflected. “Serving others and fostering welcoming, friendly environments where people can connect and share new experiences truly energizes me. Nurturing community is about more than just bringing people together; it’s about creating a space where individuals can feel valued and supported. It’s about building a foundation where every member can thrive, learn from one another, and feel secure,” she shared.

“As I step into the role of the Director at the Love Community Center, I am excited to bring this passion and experience to the forefront. Being the first director is both an honor and a significant responsibility. It means laying the groundwork for a legacy that will last for many generations,” she added.

Smith will oversee the operations, working closely with the partner agencies located inside the LCC. She will hire, train, and work alongside staff and volunteers. She will manage the budget, accounting, and all human resources needs. She will also promote the facility and fundraise for its sustainability.

Ensuring satisfaction and fostering the well-being of guests, partners, staff, and volunteers alike will be the heart of her work, a calling that’s important to her both professionally and personally. She purposefully chose her office space so it will be centrally located and highly-visible – literally. One wall is all windows, a fitting metaphor for the transparency and openness Smith will bring to her role.

“I want the community to know that my door is always open. I am here to listen, support, and work together to make the Love Community Center a vibrant and inclusive place for everyone. I’m excited to meet you all and I look forward to the wonderful things we will achieve together.”

Smith has a deep-seated passion for the outdoors. She enjoys hiking, biking, paddleboarding, and learning new sports, like skiing and mountain biking with her eight-year-old son. “He challenges me to push my boundaries and conquer my fears,” she grinned.  She also enjoys cooking and entertaining friends and family.

Since moving to the area three months ago, she has explored ways to get involved with and enjoy the community. She and her sons volunteer at the Rushville Animal Shelter, cleaning cages, walking dogs, and loving on the animals. She and her husband enjoy attending concerts at Riverside Park, creating a new tradition with their boys. They’ve explored many of Indiana’s state parks and natural areas, too.

Born and raised in Slovakia, a country bordered by Poland to the north and Ukraine to the east, Rush County instantly felt like home to Zuzi.

“It has a wonderful, serene quality that reminds me so much of my homeland. The expansive fields and the community’s connection to the land take me back to my childhood, where I spent many happy hours on my grandpa’s farm,” she observed. “From him, I learned the values of hard work, dedication, and the importance of nurturing both land and community.”

Smith’s vision is for all who walk through the doors of the LCC to feel at home, too.

Construction of the Love Community Center is slated for completion by the end of 2024. Expect an opening date to the public in early 2025. Smith will begin her position on September 3. Look for employment opportunities in the coming months. Find the latest updates here.