Biography

Jermaine L. Smith is a non-profit executive with nearly 20 years of experience in fundraising, sales, marketing, and public relations. Mr. Smith currently serves as Vice President of Institutional Advancement for the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, where he manages all fundraising activities as a member of the leadership team. His previous professional experience includes developing a major gifts program as Vice President for City Year, as well as time with the American Red Cross, Kingsley House, UNCF, and Tulane University.

Mr. Smith currently serves on the boards of the Audubon Commission, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (New Orleans), the Paideia School Alumni Advisory Council, and the Tulane University School of Professional Advancement Recent Alumni Council. His prior board service includes Foundation Preparatory Charter School, Friends of New Orleans Public Library, and OC Haley Merchants & Business Association, as well as a leadership role as board chair of the Young Leadership Council (YLC).

For his nonprofit leadership, Mr. Smith has been recognized by New Orleans Magazine (People to Watch), Gambit (40 Under 40), and BoardSource (Emerging Nonprofit Leaders). He has presented on topics ranging from board development to campaign strategy at the AFP International Conference, BoardSource Leadership Forum, and the AFP New Orleans Conference.

He and his partner, Dr. Megan Holt, live in New Orleans with their two sons and rescued pit bull. Mr. Smith graduated with a BA in Public Relations from Tulane University’s School of Professional Advancement and is an MBA candidate at the Questrom School of Business at Boston University.