Introducing Our New Lifestyle Director!

Loren Smith can’t wait to begin planning events for all ages at Grand Central Park.

Our newest lifestyle director started in August and is eager to meet residents and foster relationships.

Most recently, Loren worked as a lifestyle director for an active-adult community, but her interest in event planning sprouted years ago when her three children were in school.

“When the kids were in elementary school, I was always room mom, working in the front office, and being a member of the parent-teacher association,” she said. “Eventually, I was a vice president and then president of the PTA. We were always doing events.”

As her children grew, she started working at several area country clubs before settling into her role at the 55+ community.

“Working in the country club setting, I could see how important it was to create opportunities for people to get to know each other,” Loren said. “I loved doing that as a lifestyle director at the active-adult community, too. But as much as I loved it there, I wanted more of a challenge and the opportunity to stretch my creativity planning events for all ages.

“When I was visiting Grand Central Park and Kristin [Fowler, who is retiring and whom Loren is replacing], she was talking about story times, and I realized how much I missed working with children. My kids are grown, so I haven’t been able to do that lately. I’m looking forward to doing it professionally, planning events for residents of ages in Grand Central Park.”

Loren said she’s been impressed with Grand Central Park, especially all the conveniences within the community and the natural landscape.

“The location is also amazing — it’s still not too far from Houston,” she said. “I like all the amenities and am really excited to see what else we can do with lifestyle. There’s a lot going on already, so that’s a good start.”

When not at work, Loren enjoys working out, reading historical fiction, being on or near the water, and spending time with family and friends.

A few other fun facts about Grand Central Park’s new lifestyle director, Loren Smith:

• She is married to her high school sweetheart.
• No one can believe that although she’s born and raised in Louisiana, she doesn’t like seafood.
• She’s rather fond of dogs, especially big ones. Collectively, her pack weighs approximately 250 pounds!