PAEA Networker

PAEA Adds Two New Staffers to Its Ranks


Two newly created positions at the national office, communications manager and administrative assistant, have recently been filled by Jeanette Smith and Erica Call, respectively. Smith came on board in early June and is already making significant contributions to the communications division, finding her way around and adding knowledge of the PA profession to her broad background in non-profit communications. Call joined the staff just days ago. Please see their photos and bios that follow so that you will have an idea when you contact PAEA who is receiving your call.

Jeanette Smith joined the staff of PAEA on June 1 and as communications manager, she will assist with editing and writing for the PAEA website and Association publications, including the Journal of Physician Assistant Education and the PAEA Networker. She grew up in Niagara County in western New York and has a BA in English from SUNY Binghamton. She received a master's in public administration in 2003 from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Her most recent position before coming to PAEA was for the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, where she was responsible for managing that association's web content, contributing to the enewsletter, and managing technical committees that developed the American National Standards for pools, spas, and hot tubs. She has more than 20 years' experience with several other nonprofits in the Washington, D.C., area, including the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education, where she served as editor of its practitioner journal.

Smith is a beginning birder and was, for many years, a horse owner. She enjoys the history of the Revolutionary War era and spent several years as a docent at Gadsby’s Tavern in Alexandria, a landmark that was also the site of birthnight balls for George Washington.

Smith joins PAEA's other communications personnel, Steven Lane, Geraldene Darden, Mei Liang, and Eileen Evans.


Erica Call came to PAEA on June 29 with a background in legal and secretarial training and several years of experience in office administration, customer service, and planning and managing large events. She will handle a variety of administrative functions for the Association, such as managing the membership database and assisting with general office and membership support. She will soon be answering all incoming calls to PAEA.

Call was born in Concord, California, and grew up in various locations in the northern part of the state. Upon relocating to Virginia, she was an administrative assistant in a foot and ankle center where she scheduled appointments, checked patients into the office, and handled patient relations. While still in California, she was an executive assistant at an association for wedding professionals and also had a large role in producing and managing one of the largest bridal expos in Sacramento. Call gained experience in estimating project costs, preparing bids, and sending out requests for proposals at a soil and water management company. Away from the office, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and enjoys reading — James Patterson novels, in particular.