About me

Jean Smith, Event Manager for the East and West Dearborn Downtown Development Authorities (DDA) and Market Manager of the Dearborn Farmers and Artisan Market, supports coordination of more than 60 annual events and oversees market management, training and supervision. Recruiting and managing more than 100 seasonal vendors, Smith also serves as Market Master for the Dodge Park Farmers Market in Sterling Heights.

Smith has more than 12 years of experience as a vendor in various farmers markets and earned her Market Manager Certification from the 2016 Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) Market Manager Certification Program. In 2018, Smith was named Mentor of the Year on two separate occasions from The University of Michigan Dearborn for excellent contributions to experiential education. That same year, Smith earned her Associate in Applied Science degree in MGT Development, Business Management from Oakland Community College. Currently studying at Siena Heights University, Smith will graduate with a Bachelors of Arts in Professional Communication in December 2019, and plans to continue her studies thereafter, working towards a Masters in Professional Leadership.

Jean's experience doesn't stop there. She is a published author with The Detroit News: The Good Life blog, Farmers Market Today, and several other online publications. Smith collaborated in the publication of a popular cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats, which has sold over fifteen thousand copies across the United States and in Canada.

Jean is an avid speaker and has enjoyed presenting at the annual conference for the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA), Beaumont Lunch and Learn sessions, and for several other organizatins. Jean's expertise in farmers market management, organic gardening and small-scale farming, organization, and professional communication are just a few of the topics she enjoys presenting on. Jean's enthusiasm for her subject matter keeps her audience engaged and activly listening!

Smith is an active Board Member for the Michigan Agritourism Association (MATA) since 2017.