The Town of Smithfield has announced Isle of Wight Emergency Services Coordinator Will Drewery as its honorary tree lighter for the tree lighting event.

The Town of Smithfield Tree Lighting is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 19 at The Smithfield Times building at 228 Main St.

Drewery was born and raised in Southampton County, a place he still calls home. His service and contributions extend to not only Isle of Wight County but the entire Hampton Roads region. He was recognized by “Inside Business” as one of its “Top 40 Under Forty” in 2020.

Prior to joining the staff in Isle of Wight in April 2021, he was the public health emergency manager for the Western Tidewater Health District, serving the cities of Franklin and Suffolk and the counties of Isle of Wight and Southampton, an area of nearly 1,500 square miles with a population of more than 150,000.

During his time with the health district, Drewery led the district’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing case and contact investigations, community mitigation efforts, testing events, and ultimately the distribution of nearly 100,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

Drewery holds the certification of Professional Emergency Manager, a designation that fewer than 80 individuals across the state have achieved. Often called on by many in the community as a trusted source of information during times of crisis, Drewery is known for his calm demeanor and for always being able to assist when called upon during trying and uncertain times.

For further information on this event and other holiday events, go to: https://www.genuinesmithfieldva.com/events or contact Connie Chapman at cchapman@isleofwightus.net, events coordinator, Smithfield & Isle of Wight CVB.