September 2012

Katherine R. Smith has been appointed executive director of the Council of Professional Associations on Federal Statistics (COPAFS). Smith comes to COPAFS from the American Farmland Trust, where she is chief economist and vice president for programs. Prior to her position at AFT, she served as administrator for the Economic Research Service (ERS) of the U.S Department of Agriculture. ERS is one of the 14 principal statistical agencies of the U.S. government.

In announcing the appointment, AERA executive director Felice Levine, who chairs the COPAFS Board, noted the board’s strong support of Smith. She added, “As COPAFS continues to work to advance a vibrant federal statistical system, high-quality data, and robust data use, we will benefit immeasurably from the expertise and experience that Kitty will provide.”

The new appointment will be effective October 1, when Smith succeeds Edward Spar, who will retire at the end of December.