The Coastal Bend Bays Foundation Board of Directors manage the business affairs of the Coastal Bend Bays
Foundation, Inc. The Board of Directors is elected by the Board of Trustees and consists of the officers, e.g., the President, Executive Vice President, three Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, Delegate to Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program, Delegate to the Nueces Estuary Council, and Immediate Past President.
The Board of Directors elects Emeritus Trustees in recognition of their longstanding service to the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation, Inc., and contributions to the conservation of the environment in the Coastal Bend Region. Emeritus Trustees are automatically Trustees and entitled to vote as a member of the Board of Trustees.
The Board of Trustees consists of the officers, Directors, Elected Trustees, Emeritus Trustees and Life Members. The Trustees represent a cross section of interests, including but not limited to; industry and the business community, environmentalists, conservationists, and recreational users.
Meet Our New Trustee: Q&A
We’re excited to introduce Carly Smith, Chief Meteorologist at KIII 3NEWS and our newest CBBF Trustee! Since moving to the Coastal Bend in 2022, Carly has developed a deep appreciation for our coastal community and the environment that makes this region so special.
From covering severe weather and coastal conditions to helping bring environmental education to the community through Earth Day–Bay Day, Carly brings a unique perspective and passion for the Coastal Bend. Get to know our newest Trustee a little better in this Q&A!
CBBF: How long have you been in the Coastal Bend area?
Carly Smith: I’ve been in the Coastal Bend for 4.5 years. I moved here in January of 2022, and it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the community and everything our coastal region has to offer.
CBBF: Tell us a little about your background and your current role.
Carly Smith: At the beginning of this year, I was named Chief Meteorologist at KIII 3NEWS. Before that, I was the First Edition Morning Meteorologist for four years. My career in broadcast meteorology has also taken me to Grand Junction, Colorado; Wichita Falls, Texas; and Dayton, Ohio.
CBBF: What have been some of the highlights of your career or academic journey?
Carly Smith: Each place I’ve worked has given me unique opportunities to connect weather with the environment and the communities I serve.
In Grand Junction, I reported on water conservation and drought-mitigation practices at the headwaters of the Colorado River. Wichita Falls gave me the opportunity to storm chase and report on no-till farming and soil moisture improvements in drought-stricken areas.
In Dayton, Ohio, I covered a major tornado outbreak live with the Chief Meteorologist at 2 NEWS. There were 15 tornadoes in our coverage area, including one EF-4 and three EF-3 tornadoes. While one death is still too many, early warnings from the National Weather Service and the urgent messaging from broadcast stations throughout the area were credited with saving lives.
Here in Corpus Christi, I was trusted to lead coverage of Tropical Storms Harold and Alberto. Being named Chief Meteorologist has been the highlight of my career, and I’m incredibly grateful for the trust that has been placed in me.
CBBF: Who or what first introduced you to the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation?
Carly Smith: I was great friends with former Chief Meteorologist Alan Holt, and he always spoke very highly of the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation. We also work with Jace Tunnell often at 3NEWS, and we’re incredibly grateful for his coastal knowledge and his Beach Combing reports.
I’ve also had the opportunity to work with Dr. Philipp E. Tissot to learn more about rip currents and coastal erosion. I even featured his wife in a story about the history of female surfing in the Coastal Bend. Those connections have really helped me better understand and appreciate our coastal environment.
CBBF: What do you like most about the Coastal Bend community?
Carly Smith: Everyone in the Coastal Bend is so nice, and I really enjoy the sense of community here. I love downtown events like Art Walk and Run Club, and I even learned to surf here in the Coastal Bend!
Living here has made me realize just how important it is to keep our environment healthy so that more people can enjoy all the benefits of this incredible place we call home.
CBBF: How long have you been involved with the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation?
Carly Smith: This is my first year being involved with CBBF, and I’m really excited about it!
CBBF: What makes you proud of CBBF? What makes you want to brag about the organization to your family and friends?
Carly Smith: I was fortunate enough to help host Earth Day–Bay Day this year, and it was an incredible experience! I even got to take a picture with a bald eagle from Last Chance Forever Wildlife Rescue, which was such an amazing experience and a great reminder of why conservation matters.
Earth Day–Bay Day brings some of the best environmental education and organizations together for a free community event. It’s an opportunity for families to learn, explore, and connect with the environment around them. I can’t wait to be back next year!
CBBF: Finally, what’s your claim to fame? It can be serious or silly!
Carly Smith: People ask me what it’s like to be famous all the time, and I never really know how to answer that question!
Honestly, I’m just thankful to have a job that I absolutely love doing every single day. There’s nothing better than studying clouds and weather patterns. I’m also incredibly blessed to forecast every weekday on Channel 3, and I can’t thank everyone who watches 3NEWS enough.
I couldn’t do what I do without the trust and support of our viewers, and I’m incredibly grateful for that every day.
