Boston Beyond Announces New Executive Director
Thursday, September 18, 2008Boston After School & Beyond’s (Boston Beyond’s) Board of Directors is delighted to announce the appointment of Christopher J. Smith as Executive Director, effective October 1, 2008. Board Chairman Chris Gabrieli commented, “The Board is excited to have Chris Smith lead Boston Beyond in its next phase. His demonstrated commitment to Boston youth and his deep understanding of the work of an intermediary organization will be assets to the organization.”
Chris has worked at the Boston Private Industry Council (PIC) for the past ten years, most recently as Chief of Staff. He has led key policy, measurement and programmatic initiatives to advance employment and learning opportunities for young people in Boston. In collaboration with local business leaders, Chris created Classroom at the Workplace, an innovative program that combines intensive academic remediation and employment for students who failed MCAS. Since its inception, the program has served more than 1,000 students, helping hundreds graduate high school. He played a lead role in developing dropout legislation, signed by Governor Patrick this August, to establish a statewide commission that aims to decrease the dropout rate in Massachusetts.
Before joining the PIC in 1998, Chris worked at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, DC on the Secretary of Education’s family and community involvement in education initiative. A native of Worcester, Chris earned an MBA at the FW Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College in Wellesley, MA and a BA in American Studies from Trinity College in Hartford, CT. He lives in West Roxbury with his wife and son.
Claudio Martinez, Executive Director of Hyde Square Task Force said, “Chris’ understanding of the value that community-based organizations bring to this field and his hands-on efforts to address the drop out issue for Boston youth make him an ideal match for Boston Beyond. As a leader of a nonprofit as well as a Boston Beyond Board member, I am confident Chris will positively impact the out-of-school time field in our city.”
“During his ten years with the Boston PIC, Chris Smith has excelled in organizing partnerships among schools, employers and the community. The after school community will value the skills and experience he brings to the cause. After school programs really matter to education, workforce development and other community priorities,” said Gary Gottlieb, President of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Chairman of the Boston Private Industry Council.
The City of Boston is a critical partner in the work of Boston After School & Beyond. Mayor Menino commented: “As Mayor, I remain committed to making sure all children in Boston have the opportunity to participate in after-school programs and activities that enrich and expand their worlds. I am also committed to Boston Beyond as the public private partnership working to strengthen and expand opportunities for children in this City and look forward to working with Chris Smith in his new role.”