Edward Smith, PhD

Senior Director of Policy Strategy Edward Smith, Ph.D., is responsible for developing and executing a policy agenda that advances ECMC Foundation’s mission and North Star goal. Additionally, Edward leads the development of the Foundation’s policy team, which serves as a resource to its grantmaking and program-related investment efforts.

Prior to joining ECMC Foundation, Edward was a senior policy advisor at EducationCounsel LLC, providing initiative management, project leadership and other advisory services to organizational partners that included federal agencies, state systems, colleges, community-based entities and philanthropy—all in pursuit of change that drives positive student outcomes. He previously served The Kresge Foundation as a Senior Program Officer and has been a researcher and consultant for several organizations including NASPA, the Institute for Higher Education Policy and education departments in New Jersey and Michigan. Edward has taught courses at the high school, undergraduate and graduate levels and currently leads courses on higher education at Georgetown University. Edward currently serves on the board of directors for Complete College America and College Unbound.

Edward earned his Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. He holds a Master of Education and Bachelor of Arts in economics from Penn State University.

Why are you working at ECMC Foundation and committed to working toward improving higher education for underserved learners?

I believe in the liberatory power of postsecondary education for all learners and communities, and I’m committed to leveraging the full array of philanthropic tools, in partnerships with public, private and individual actors, to ensure we fulfill its potential.