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Michael D. Smith
Michael D. Smith
00:51

Michael D. Smith

AmeriCorps

Washington, DC USA

"Positions come and go but purpose lasts forever."

Career Roadmap

Michael D.'s work combines: Non-Profit Organizations, Government, and Helping People

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Day In The Life

CEO

I lead the federal agency for national service and volunteerism.

03:13

Day In The Life Of The CEO Of AmeriCorps

My Day to Day

The best part of my job is spending time with our members, volunteers, grantees, partners, and alumni. In my visits, I often join with Members of Congress to celebrate new investments and to learn what’s working, what’s not, and how we can improve. The rest of my time is spent working with our staff to develop and implement strategic plans, ensuring we are good stewards of taxpayers resources, monitoring our financial and operational reform, forming new partnerships, and reporting on progress.

Skills & Education

Advice for getting started

My path worked out for me but my original goal was to be a journalist. I did a lot of internships and part-time jobs, and learned that I loved working on Capitol Hill and with nonprofits. The most important thing is to have a clear north star of how you want to leave the world a better place. Then get the education, skills, and training you need to achieve your goals. You also have to be willing to course correct, try new things, and always be open to education in formal and informal settings.

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Communications

    Marymount University

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Life & Career Milestones

I've taken a lot of twists and turns

  • 1.

    Growing up in a working-class community, my Boys & Girls Club became my second home and shaped my passion for service.

  • 2.

    I interned on Capitol Hill in high school, igniting my interest in policy and public service early on.

  • 3.

    I studied broadcasting and politics in college but ultimately realized I wanted to create change, not just report on it.

  • 4.

    Working at the Case Foundation, I helped build initiatives that supported social impact and community development.

  • 5.

    As a political appointee in the Obama administration, I led the Social Innovation Fund to scale evidence-based nonprofits.

  • 6.

    When President Obama launched My Brother’s Keeper, I was honored to lead the initiative and expand opportunities for young men of color.

  • 7.

    After serving at the Obama Foundation, I was appointed CEO of AmeriCorps, overseeing national service programs across the country.

Defining Moments

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • I lost a brother to gun violence, which has helped propel my mission to help young Black men. I ended up leading My Brother's Keeper for the Obama administration, where I helped to build safe and supportive communities for boys young men of color.

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