Christopher Smith

Chris Smith serves as the Grand Rapids program director. Chris has a career of over 30 years of service in the public, nonprofit and academic sectors. Chris has served as a management consultant for nonprofit, public and faith-based organizations for nearly 20 years. Chris also has senior management experience, having served as the chief operating officer of a Michigan Works agency and as deputy director of a community mental health authority. 

Chris specializes in teaching social welfare policy, cultural competence, and macro community practice. Chris is dedicated to community work. He currently serves on the board of Project GREEN, a Grand Rapids based nonprofit organization as well as the advisory board of the Kent County Community Action Agency.

Chris is a licensed clinical and macro social worker and with master’s degrees in both public administration and social work from Wayne State University. Chris earned his B.A. from Michigan State University.

Chris is married to Kelli A. Smith, Chief Development Officer for the John Ball Park Zoo in Grand Rapids. Chris and Kelli have two children, Kaja and Koda.