Laura Jens-Smith grew up in Port Jefferson Station. She received her Associates Degree at Phillips Beth Israel School of Nursing. Upon graduation, Laura began working as a nurse in the Cardiac Care Unit at Beth Israel Medical Center. While working night shifts as a Recovery Room nurse, Laura returned to school and received her bachelor’s degree from Pace University. Laura is a mother of two grown children and lives with her husband in Laurel.

Laura is the first woman elected to the office of Town Supervisor in Riverhead’s 227-year history. She had previously served six years as a School Board Trustee of the Mattituck-Cutchogue Board of Education, eventually being elected President of the School Board.

As Riverhead Town Supervisor, Laura focused on downtown revitalization, preserving farmland and open spaces, protecting the environment, comprehensive long-term planning, economic development and public safety.

Laura has been honored to receive the 2019 Leadership Award from the Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO for her work on behalf of organized labor and working families. She was recognized by Minority Millennials Inc. for her efforts to improve the quality of life of people of color and young people in Riverhead. Laura was also awarded the 2019 Pass the Torch award by the Butterfly Effect Project for her advocacy for young women.