YMCA president named to Black Leadership Alliance Board of Directors

Date: 11/26/2012

SPRINGFIELD – YMCA President and CEO Kirk Smith has been named to the Board of Directors of the Black Leadership Alliance, where he will serve a three-year term.

"I would like to thank Dora Robinson, Board Chair, and the Black Leadership Alliance Board for this unbelievable honor to serve on its Board of Directors," Smith said. "To have the opportunity serve alongside such a prestigious and impressive group of leaders is humbling, affirming and exciting.

"It's is humbling because when I think about sitting at the table with pioneers such as Ray Jordan, Helen Caulton-Harris, Henry Thomas, Dora Robinson and Paul Bailey, I can't help but feel like a pupil going to a new school!

He added, "It is affirming because, as a mission-driven non-profit executive who happens to be African-American, I have long-believed in the mission and purpose of this organization: to build and strengthen the Black community by addressing and positively impacting all quality of life issues including education, economic and community development, and youth development. The existence of the Black Leadership Alliance is inspiring."

He continued,"Lastly, it is exciting because I'm anxious to help address issues that create barriers of success and opportunities for members of the African American community residing in greater Springfield and Western Massachusetts. I believe that as we achieve personal and professional success in life, the obligation to help others realize their successes is as real as success itself."

Smith is a resident of Wilbraham. He and his wife of 20 years, Venessa, have three sons ranging in age from 15 to 20.