Karla Smith, Manager of the High School Aviation Initiative, is responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight for multiple projects and activities within the AOPA High School Initiative. Karla brings five years of experience as the AOPA Manager of Aviation Events and Sponsorship to the High School team. She provides project management, event planning, and sponsor and exhibitor recruitment and management for the AOPA High School Aviation STEM Symposium. She is a key communicator to prospective schools and districts during curriculum recruitment and retention activities. Karla applies her experience as the Vice-Chairperson of the Tullahoma Regional Airport Authority and a member of multiple volunteer aviation boards to advise AOPA schools across the nation on best practices for building partnerships with aviation organizations and corporations. Karla plays a crucial role in High School program data collection and evaluation. She also directly supports AOPA curriculum teachers and assists with professional development activities.