Ashley Smith

Franklin native Ashley Smith has announced her candidacy for the 2nd District seat on Franklin City Council. Smith, who currently works for the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce as the Be Here program manager, intends to bring her enthusiasm for community engagement and public service to Franklin City Council. “I love and appreciate Franklin – the people, the events, the history – and it gives me great joy to be able to utilize my abilities to improve the experience for people who live in or visit our beautiful town,” Smith said. In addition to her work at the chamber, Smith volunteers her time and expertise on several boards of directors including the Franklin Fine Arts Council, the Franklin Historic and Architectural Review Board, Franklin Meals on Wheels, and Venango – Together We Can. Smith is the vice-chair for the Venango County Democratic Committee and maintains active memberships in Oil Region Rising and the FLEX Young Professionals group. Her work in the community has been recognized with an Oil Region Alliance “Best Local Business and Tourism Advocate” honor in 2021. She was named a Venango Chamber of Commerce “Community Hero” that same year and has been nominated for the FLEX “Young Professional of the Year” award twice. Smith is a Leadership Venango alumna; and has taken the Be Here ambassador training multiple times. She coaches the Franklin High School Marching Band Silks and volunteers with the Franklin Middle School cheerleaders. Along with her work in the community and the professional world, Smith is also the owner and inspector of Zaccari Home Inspections LLC. She is a member of the InterNACHI Western PA and Young Professional Inspector Chapters and has earned the title of PA Certified Professional Inspector from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. Smith brings a positive outlook and a range of experience to her campaign for City Council. “I look forward to applying my knowledge as a community advocate, volunteer and business owner to improve the quality of life for all of Franklin,” she added. “If elected, I promise to be accessible, transparent, and ensure everyone’s voice is heard. I’m ready to get to work.”