Haley Morgan Smith is a transformational leader, creative, and connector whose work centers on building belonging and fostering community. Born in Rockmart, Georgia, Haley was raised by her mother and maternal grandparents, grounding her in a family-centered life shaped by the rhythms of the Appalachian South. She describes herself as an “Affrilachian Southerner” with an affinity for boiled peanuts, classic Coca-Cola, and a commitment to creating a kinder, more just world.

At fifteen, Haley began leading worship regularly at North Point Community Church in Atlanta, GA. Her natural gift for music and storytelling led her to a career as a singer/songwriter, sharing stages with artists like Lauren Daigle, David Crowder, and Jeremy Camp. Over time, she expanded into public speaking, connecting with audiences at conferences and student camps nationwide through her humor and authenticity.

These experiences deepened Haley’s understanding of the challenges and beauty within rural communities, sparking a passion for creating spaces where reconciliation and collaboration could thrive. This calling led her to join Orange, a nationally recognized organization dedicated to developing innovative strategies for engaging families and communities. At Orange, Haley served as the Rural Strategy Director and co-founded For Our Neighbors, a nonprofit initiative empowering rural communities to shape better futures for the next generation. Through this work, she collaborated with national leaders like Bernice King and Bob Goff, whose support and participation helped shape tools and strategies that inspired connection and sustainable change.

Currently serving as the inaugural Chief Belonging and Community Engagement Officer at Berry College, Haley leads transformative efforts to embed belonging, collaboration, and sustainability into campus life. She developed the Good Neighbor Framework, a strategic initiative that has become a cornerstone of Berry’s approach to fostering inclusion. Haley also guided Berry’s recognition as a Beloved Community Campus in partnership with the King Center, marking a significant milestone in the college’s commitment to restorative practices and reconciliation. Throughout her career and at Berry, she has engaged with thousands of people, guiding students and community members through community-engaged projects, fostering leadership development, and inspiring meaningful contributions to the common good.

Beyond her professional work, Haley channels her creativity through Kindred Fire, a passion project where she blends her Appalachian roots with influences from rock, folk, gospel, and soul. Alongside longtime collaborator Austen Earp and drummer Luke Robinson, Haley creates music and live experiences that reflect her values of authenticity and connection, crafting songs that resonate deeply with listeners.

Haley lives in Rome, Georgia, with her family, where she balances leadership, music, and community with a commitment to loving her neighbors well. Reflecting on her journey, Haley views each chapter of her work—from music to community building—as a continuation of her lifelong mission: to inspire people to love their neighbors and to create a world where kindness, understanding, and connection shape everyday life. She believes deeply in the power of neighborly love to change the world—even in small, simple ways