Eric Smith

About Eric Smith

For over two decades, I have been living my purpose to, “build flourishing communities in which ALL people can thrive.” I have done this in the rural villages of Africa, the small towns of Central Appalachia, and the urban neighborhoods of Rust Belt cities. Currently I live my purpose out in two ways.I am privileged to be the Executive Director of CommunityWorks, which focuses on helping cities and communities unlock the human and economic potential of their neighborhoods by implementing proven Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) practices.I am also a community & economic development Educator with Central State University Extension (CSUE), Ohio’s only public historically black university. My focus at CSUE is on cultivating strong regional food systems and building entrepreneurial ecosystems.I have a Master\'s in Community Development and hold numerous professional certifications in such models as Energizing Entrepreneurial Communities, Community Heart & Soul, and Asset-Based Community Development.A resident of Findlay, Ohio, I enjoy time with my family and animal friends (2 dogs and a cat) and engaging in the life of my neighborhood and region.

Experience

1. Executive Director

   Communityworks

   Jan 2020 — Present · Zeeland, MI, US

   CommunityWorks (formerly Great Lakes Urban) is a Zeeland, Michigan-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that strengthens neighborhoods and cities. Our goal is to cultivate a movement that supports and scales the efforts of leaders building inside-out, place-based change. • During my time with CommunityWorks, the organization\'s revenue has more than doubled resulting in our being able to bring on new staff. With this growth, we have been able to expand our impact from one community when I started to multiple communities across several states. • As Executive Director, I set the strategic direction of the organization, as developed with the board of directors. I ensure the annual action plan and budget are developed and implemented, and that our goals and objectives are met in accordance with our mission and value.• To ensure our impact and growth, I oversee the core processes of the organization, including communications, accounting, program implementation, and resource development. I support and coordinate staff and contractors to succeed in performing their duties.

Education

• Taylor University

  BA, Double Major in History and International Studies

  1994 — 1998

• North Dakota State University

  MA, Community Development

  2013 — 2018