She took over control of the family business, running Opelousas, Louisiana radio stations KSLO-AM (1230) & KOGM-FM (107.1), following the 2006 death of her father, local radio legend Johnny Wright. Penny Allegood Smith modernized the stations in the last few years, including increasing their coverage area, but kept a commitment to keep the stations local. Active in the community, Smith was on the board of the Opelousas/St. Landry Chamber of Commerce and CASA, the Court Appointed Special Advocates for children. Smith passed away following a brief illness. She was only 53.