Liz Smitherman
UTILITIES & ENGINEERING: Liz Smitherman, Code Compliance Technician
Years with the County: 15
Briefly describe your job. What do you do?
As a Code Compliance Technician, I investigate and identify violations throughout the county that are non-conforming with Catawba County’s Unified Development Ordinance; such as junk vehicles, solid waste, unpermitted construction, and/or unpermitted businesses.
What is a typical workday like for you?
I work primarily in the field each day. I drive around and investigate open complaints, update existing violations, and do site visits with individuals to verify compliance pertaining to the county ordinances.
What is your favorite aspect of your job – what do you enjoy doing most?
For the most part, I enjoy working with different types of people. Whether it helps them obtain permits to become compliant with my investigation or helps citizens address violations that have become a safety concern within the community.
What is the County core value you believe most relates to the work you do, and why?
DOING IT WELL – I strive to be the best person I can be and share my joy with others. In this field, there can be a lot of feelings and high tension but with the right attitude and professionalism, we can address the violations in a way that appeases the ordinances but also be empathic to the situation at hand.
What do you like best about working for Catawba County?
I’d have to say it is the network of people I have had the opportunity to meet, learn from, and help me build my career. I feel like I have grown tremendously over the last 15 years and I truly believe it is because of the relationships I have built with co-workers and the community.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Jacksonville, NC. My dad retired as a Marine at Camp Lejeune. My family still lives there today, but both my parents were born and raised in Newton.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
My husband and I have a farm. We have (4) commercial chicken houses and cattle, and my husband tends over 1200 acres of grain crop each year. We have 2 very active children and a very active 2-year-old German Shepard. If we are not at a ball field, dance class, or church activity, we are at home working in the garden or riding the farm trails on the side-by-side and four-wheelers.
Favorite movie, TV show, and/or book?
My favorite show of all time is “That 70’s Show”.
Favorite musical artist or genre?
I’d much rather listen to music than watch TV any day. My music varies from Contemporary Christian to Country, to Rock, to (some) Rap. You just never know what my Apple Music station will land on from song to song.
Favorite sports team(s)?
Atlanta Braves ALL DAY! We are a big baseball family and my favorite annual trip each year is to see the Bravos play ball.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
To Freeze Time – My babies are growing up way too fast. My son is starting middle school this year and my daughter just turned 7, so I wish I could just stop time to enjoy these years a bit longer.