ABOUT.

Dr. Julie Smith-Morrow is a proud resident of Newport, Kentucky!

She is a graduate of Brookfield (Wisconsin) Central High School and Texas Tech University in Lubbock (Texas), where she earned a BS in Agronomy and a PhD in Plant Genetics.

Julie served for over 25 years in executive leadership roles with Goodwill Industries in Lubbock, and Freestore Foodbank, Dress for Success in Cincinnati, service at South Plains Food Bank (Lubbock), and Board of Education (Newport).

She completed the American Records in Genealogy program with the National Institute for Genealogical Studies and earned its educational certificate in 2018.

She is owner of Genealogy of Newport and provides professional genealogical services to clients searching for their ancestors.

Julie submitted the first part of her portfolio to the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) in March 2026, and she received approval and evaluation of her Part I submission from the board’s judges in July 2026. Her goal is to complete her portfolio and submit Part 2 to the BCG by July 2027.

Julie has a deep seated and personal commitment to the residents of Newport and is passionate about helping people put food on their tables, access educational opportunities, and become economically independent.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE MATTERS.

Owner, Genealogy of Newport, Newport, KY. (2015 to present)
CEO, Dress for Success Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH (2012-2015).
Vice President of Agency Relations and Special Programs, Freestore Foodbank, Cincinnati, OH. (2010-2012)
Vice President of Foodbank, Freestore Foodbank, Cincinnati, OH. (2004-2012).
Executive Director, Goodwill Industries of Lubbock, Inc., Lubbock, TX. (1999-2003).

EDUCATION MATTERS.

Professional Learning Certificate, Genealogical Studies (PLCGS), National Institute for Genealogical Studies (2018).
Doctor of Philosophy, Agronomy. Texas Tech University. Lubbock, TX (1993).
Bachelor of Science, Plant Science, summa cum laude, TTU, Lubbock, TX (1987).

SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP MATTERS.

(Selected activities, since 2003)

Elected Vice Mayor, Newport Board of Commissioners (2025 to present)
Elected Member, Board of Directors and Executive Committee, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana (OKI) Regional Council of Governments (2025 to present)
Elected Member, Newport Board of Commissioners (2022–2024, 2024 to present)
Elected Board Chair, Advisory Board, Gateway Community and Technical College (2018–2019)
Elected Registrar, Mary Ingles Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Ft. Thomas, KY (2018–2019)
Elected Board Chair, Human Services Chamber of Hamilton County, Hamilton County, OH (2015)
Appointed Member, Advisory Board, Gateway Community and Technical College, by Governor Steven Beshear (2014–2019)
Elected Member, Human Services Chamber of Hamilton County, Hamilton County, OH (2013–2015)
Candidate, Kentucky Senate, 24th District (2010)
Selected Member, Emerge Kentucky Class I (2010)
Elected Bishop’s Warden, Bishop’s Committee, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Newport, KY (2010–2012)
Elected Vice Chair, Newport Independent Board of Education, Newport, KY (2009–2022)
Graduate, Leadership Cincinnati, Class 31, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber (2007–2008)
Elected member, Newport Independent Board of Education, Newport, KY (2007–2022)
Selected Member, WE Lead Class I, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber (2006–2007)
Elected Gateway Neighborhood Representative, East Row Historic Foundation, Newport, KY (2004–2005)
Elected Member, Bishop’s Committee, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Newport, KY (2003–2012)

HONORS.

Steve Gibbs Innovation Award, Freestore Foodbank
Recognized with her Freestore Foodbank team by Newport Independent School District for initiating Food for Kids BackPack weekend food program in Newport schools.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS.

Association of Professional Genealogists (APG)

Kentucky Genealogical Society (KGS)

Ohio Genealogical Society (OGS)

Minnesota Genealogical Society (MGS)

Utah Genealogical Association (UGA)

National Genealogical Society (NGS)