SILER CITY — Designer and teacher Heath Smith has been named to the JMArts Board of Directors, the first former Jordan-Matthews High School arts student to help lead the nonprofit educational foundation.

Smith works as a designer at Hollyfield Design, a floral and furniture specialist in Southern Pines, and is Adjunct Instructor for Interior Design at Randolph Community College. He also operates his own small business, H.F. Smith Interior and Floral Design, and recently published a children’s book titled “Mr. Gilmore’s Glasses."

While at JM, Smith studied visual art and music, also appearing in musicals as Mr. Lundie in “Brigadoon” and Daddy Warbucks in “Annie.” His performance in “Annie” earned him a spot on the Durham Performing Arts Center stage as a finalist in the 2014 Triangle Rising Stars musical theater competition.

The JMArts board includes President Rose Pate, Vice President Matthew Fry, Secretary Rahma Mateen-Mason, Treasurer Denise Partin, Angie Brady-Andrew, Greg Burriss, Justin Harper and Smith.

JMArts, the Jordan-Matthews Arts Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization that raises money and provides expertise to help students excel.

Major projects include JMArts Scholars for returning students to study over the summer at university-sponsored residential workshops, the New York Arts Adventure for students to experience world-class arts and interact with renowned professionals in the city, and assistance to produce the school musical each fall.

Assistance also is provided to help produce student concerts and art shows, provide arts-related activities in the school and offer other events for the community.

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Heath Smith appeared at Jordan-Matthews High School recently as pianist for Jennifer Trejo Benitez in her performance of “Beyond My Wildest Dreams” at the annual Music in May concert.