David C. Smith, CEO of United Way for Greater Austin, has been in Executive Non-Profit Leadership for over 25 years in Austin, Texas, leading mission focused and results driven organizations to substantial growth. David’s philosophy to non-profit leadership is that while there are many factors that go into a successful organization, one common thread through all is reaching out to diverse parts of the community to collaboratively find solutions that create real impact. In recognition of his leadership, David was named a 2018 recipient of the Best CEO Award from the Austin Business Journal.

David was the founder and Executive Director of Hill Country Ride for AIDS from 2001 – 2012. Concurrently from 2008 to 2012 he founded and was the Executive Director of Mamma Jamma Ride for Breast Cancer. Under his leadership, Hill Country Ride grew to be the second largest ride for AIDS in the country, and Mamma Jamma the largest ride for breast cancer in the country.

After that long and highly successful tenure, David started David C. Smith Consulting. Prior to joining United Way for Greater Austin, David served as the Interim Executive Director of The Thinkery from October 2014 to September 2015 and Interim Managing Director of Conspirare from September 2012 to August 2013.

David has served on many non-profit boards and currently sits on the boards of Austin Theater Alliance (Paramount and State Theaters), Red Bird Foundation, Nobelity, Barton Springs Conservancy, United Ways-Texas, E3 Alliance, Community Action Network, and the Austin Healthcare Council. David has a Bachelor’s degree from Sewanee, and a Masters in Theological Studies (ABT) from Wesley Theological Seminary and he is conversant in Spanish.

In his first two and a half years at United Way for Greater Austin, David has led the organization through a 5-year strategic planning process resulting in a renewed focus, a new mission, and an increased and diversified funding base. David is proud of United Way for Greater Austin’s role as an investor in community impact through innovative programs to fight poverty.