Mayor Adams Announces Kate Smith as Executive Director of the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City

December 9, 2024

NEW YORK - New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the appointment of Kate Smith as the executive director of the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City. A seasoned leader in nonprofit development, Smith brings a wealth of experience in strategic fundraising, community engagement, and organizational growth. With a career dedicated to advancing the missions of a wide array of impactful organizations, Smith's leadership will drive the Mayor's Fund's continued commitment to addressing the city's most pressing challenges.

"The Mayor's Fund is on the frontlines of moving our city forward on countless critical issues, from a generational humanitarian crisis to advancing gender and racial equity. To meet these pressing challenges and priorities, our city needs a seasoned professional with the right skillset to get the job done - and Kate Smith is that person," said Mayor Adams. "Kate brings decades of experience from the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, along with a proven track record of success, and, under her leadership, I'm looking forward to seeing the legacy-defining work that matters most to New Yorkers continue at the Mayor's Fund."

"Kate Smith's appointment as executive director of the Mayor's Fund marks an exciting new chapter for the organization. Her extensive experience in nonprofit leadership coupled with her unwavering commitment to community impact make her the ideal person to drive our efforts forward," said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana J. Almanzar. "With Kate at the helm, the Mayor's Fund will continue to serve as a vital partner in addressing the city's most pressing challenges, expanding opportunities, and ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to the resources they need to thrive."

"On behalf of the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City Board of Advisors, I am thrilled to welcome Kate Smith as our new executive director," said Rob Speyer, chairman, Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City Board of Advisors. "Kate brings expertise in fundraising coupled with an unwavering commitment to the betterment of New York City. Her leadership will be instrumental in navigating the challenges and opportunities before us. I look forward to working with Kate in the years to come, and to all she will accomplish in this role."

"I am thrilled to join the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City and thanks to Mayor Adams for this opportunity," said Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City Executive Director Kate Smith. "As a lifelong New Yorker, I am excited to contribute to making our great city even greater and ensuring every New Yorker enjoys the best quality of life. My 30 years of experience in education, fundraising, and leading impactful organizations have prepared me for this role, and I am eager to make a meaningful difference for all of our communities."

The Mayor's Fund is not-for-profit organization that works with 50 city agencies and offices, 300 institutional funders, and 100 community-based partners. The Mayor's Fund and its partners advance initiatives that improve the lives of New Yorkers from all walks of life and across all five boroughs. In particular, the Mayor's Fund has made strategic investments to promote mental health services for all New Yorkers, increase workforce development opportunities for young New Yorkers, and meet the needs of New York City's diverse immigrant community.

About Kate Smith

Kate Smith brings more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Before joining the Mayor's Fund, Smith was the executive director at Runway of Dreams, an organization that empowers people with disabilities by integrating and including them in the fashion and beauty space. Previously, she spent seven years at the American Red Cross as director of individual giving and foundation partnerships - spearheading innovative fundraising initiatives, as well as advocacy and volunteer engagement.

Prior to the American Red Cross, Smith worked at the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy as director of institutional advancement, fostering donor relationships and overseeing major tentpole fundraising efforts. Smith's efforts led to the conservancy consistently fundraising over $1 million each year during her tenure. Before joining the conservancy, Smith worked at the Guggenheim Museum, where she championed fundraising for pioneering programs like Learning Through Art, and served as a Sackler Educator, crafting and leading museum education programs for children and teens.

In addition to her professional work, Smith has actively served on several boards as a development chair for organizations including the Brooklyn Autism Center, the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, the Community Roots Charter School, and ShineSmall.

Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Trinity College-Hartfod and a Master's degree in Education at the University of Michigan.

Smith will report to Deputy Mayor Almanzar.

"Having worked closely with Kate Smith, I can confidently say that her exceptional fundraising and partnership-building skills are matched only by her deep commitment to community-driven work," said Nancy Webster, executive director, Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy. "Kate played a pivotal role in developing key relationships and securing major funding for the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, allowing us to advance our vision for public programming in the Park. Her collaborative approach, combined with a sharp understanding of both public and private sectors, will serve her well in her new role as executive director. Kate's leadership will undoubtedly lead to transformative growth and success."