Award-winning businessperson Meridith Elliot Powell has been selected to join the Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Board of Directors.

Powell is an internationally certified coach, speaker and author. She is founder and President of Motion First, a consulting firm providing expertise in leadership and business development. She brings both energy and business savvy to the board.

“I am so honored to be joining the board of Friends of the Smokies,” said Powell, who was elected to the board in their November meeting. “For me, it provides the unique opportunity to work alongside an amazing group of volunteers all passionately dedicated to the important goal of preserving and protecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.”

Powell is an active member of the National Speakers Association, the Carolinas Speakers Association, the American Society of Training and Development and the International Coaching Federation. She holds master certifications in Strategic Planning, Business Coaching and Communications.

Since 1993, Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a not-for-profit organization, has raised more than $34 million to support educational programs, historic preservation projects, conservation of natural and cultural resources, and wildlife research and protection in the Smokies.