Dear National Service Community,
As we continue to work in partnership with you to advance the Biden Administration’s vision that everyone should be able to serve in communities across the country, I am pleased to share President Biden’s intent to nominate Michael D. Smith, Executive Director of the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance and Director of Youth Opportunity Programs at the Obama Foundation, as AmeriCorps’ next Chief Executive Officer.
A former colleague and fervent champion, Michael has an incredible story steeped in service and well represents our commitment to getting things done for the country. He’s a long-time advocate, changemaker, and innovator who can undoubtedly help us expand access to and interest in national service and community volunteerism—both which can drive change related to challenges communities around the country are facing, like COVID recovery, economic justice, racial equity, disaster mitigation, conservation efforts and so much more.
From the White House announcement:
Michael Smith currently serves as Executive Director of the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Alliance and Director of Youth Opportunity Programs at the Obama Foundation. MBK Alliance leads a national call to action to build safe and supportive communities for boys and young men of color where they are valued and have clear pathways to opportunity. Smith was part of the team that designed and launched the My Brother’s Keeper initiative in the Obama Administration, and was appointed Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director of Cabinet Affairs for My Brother’s Keeper, managing the initiative and interagency Task Force at the White House.
Prior to joining the White House team, Smith was director of the Social Innovation Fund, Senior Vice President of Social Innovation at the Case Foundation, and helped build national initiatives aimed at bridging the “digital divide.” Smith is a Senior Atlantic Fellow for Racial Equity and a member of Boys and Girls Clubs of America’s Alumni Hall of Fame, the highest honor bestowed by the organization. He also serves on the board of directors of Results for America and Venture Philanthropy Partners.
We look forward to the leadership Michael will bring to the national service team and are prepared to work with the White House and Congress throughout the confirmation process. View the full statement on our website.
In Service,
Mal Coles
Acting Chief Executive Officer
AmeriCorps