Heather Smith joins The Big Red Barn Retreat Board to support our Heroes in the Carolinas and beyond
May 22, 2025
The Big Red Barn Retreat (BRBR), an organization dedicated to supporting veterans, active-duty military, and first responders, is proud to announce the appointment of Heather F. Smith to its board of directors. With her extensive background in legislative affairs and a deep commitment to community service, Smith brings a wealth of experience to the organization, which is a certified provider of the Warrior PATHH and Struggle Well programs in the Carolinas.
Heather Smith
Smith, a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications, has a distinguished career in public policy and advocacy. She served as Executive Staff for the South Carolina House Judiciary from November 2004 to December 2007, where she developed committee meetings, built relationships with state lobbyists, and advised committee members on legislative issues. Later, as Director of Legislative Affairs for the South Carolina Realtors Association from June 2007 to December 2007, she created public policy seminars and engagement plans. In January 2023, Smith founded Heather Smith and Associates, LLC, where she continues to develop government affairs strategies and lobby elected officials to influence public policy for her clients. Her dedication to community service is further evidenced by her recognition as the 2017 South Carolina Global Business Awards Partner of the Year and as a recipient of the Jerry Kramer NFL Child ID 2022 Child Advocate of the Year Award from the NFL Alumni and Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“I am deeply honored to serve on the Big Red Barn Retreat board,” said Smith. “With a family history rooted in the military, my profound respect for our veterans fuels my dedication. Being part of the board for the sole Warrior PATHH certified and Struggle Well program in our state and southeastern region is a source of great pride. Our mission is clear: to stand by our veterans who have tirelessly served our nation.”
The Big Red Barn Retreat, located in Blythewood, South Carolina, provides transformative programs and training to help heroes thrive after traumatic experiences. Serving over 2,500 active-duty service members, veterans, and first responders annually, BRBR offers nonclinical services such as equine-assisted psychotherapy, yoga, tai chi, cooking classes, and the flagship Warrior PATHH program—a seven-day intensive retreat followed by 18 months of support to facilitate post-traumatic growth. All services are provided at little to no cost, funded through grants and private donations.
“We are thrilled to welcome Heather F. Smith to our board,” said Sutton Shaw, Co-Founder and Board Chairman of the Big Red Barn Retreat. “Her expertise in legislative affairs and her passion for supporting veterans will be invaluable as we continue to expand our programs and impact in the Carolinas and beyond.”
For more information about the Big Red Barn Retreat and its programs, please visit thebigredbarnretreat.org.
About The Big Red Barn Retreat
Located in Blythewood, SC, the Big Red Barn Retreat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to helping heroes thrive. We achieve this mission by providing transformative programs and services to veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and their families. The Big Red Barn Retreat emphasizes the importance of posttraumatic growth (PTG), which is a studied science that results in turning struggle into strength. We offer Warrior PATHH and Struggle Well, which are PTG-based programs for our heroes, at no cost. In addition to our programs, we offer a variety of science-backed services, not only for our heroes, but also for their families. The services include equine-assisted therapy, yoga, tai chi, healing arts, and more. To learn more, please visit our website.
