Michael D. Smith, President and CEO of Eckerd Connects, is steering the nonprofit into a transformative phase, focusing on systemic solutions to societal challenges. With a background that spans leading grassroots nonprofits to overseeing a $4 billion federal agency, Smith brings a unique perspective to Eckerd Connects, one of the nation’s largest nonprofits dedicated to workforce development, family support, and youth services.

Smith’s approach emphasizes the transition from being a service provider to a problem solver, leveraging data and community insights to inform policy and system design. This strategy aims not only to meet immediate needs but also to address the root causes of challenges faced by the communities Eckerd Connects serves. His leadership is grounded in personal experience, having grown up in a community that valued service and responsibility, which shapes his vision for impactful, empathetic leadership.

Under Smith’s guidance, Eckerd Connects is prioritizing listening tours across its 21-state footprint to understand core strengths and opportunities for growth. The organization is also focusing on building cross-sector partnerships, recognizing that lasting solutions require collaboration across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Smith highlights the importance of innovation at these intersections, where diverse perspectives can lead to more equitable and effective systems.

The most pressing challenges identified include mental health issues, educational disparities, and economic instability, with a particular focus on creating integrated support systems for young people. Smith’s advice to youth facing adversity underscores the value of lived experience as a leadership asset and the importance of persistence in driving change.

This new chapter for Eckerd Connects under Smith’s leadership represents a commitment to not just serving communities but solving the systemic issues that affect them, with a clear focus on outcomes that matter for individuals and families across the country.

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