Trailblazing Social Impact Leader Michael D. Smith Named President and CEO of Eckerd Connects

Community champion and philanthropic leader to guide organization into bold new era

Eckerd Connects, a national nonprofit supporting youth, families, and job seekers across 21 states, has appointed Michael D. Smith as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective June 16.

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Michael D. Smith, incoming President and Chief Executive Officer of Eckerd Connects.

A product of the very systems Eckerd Connects works to build and strengthen, Smith was raised by teenage parents in a low-income neighborhood and found life-changing support through his local Boys & Girls Club. That early opportunity sparked a lifelong commitment to service and social impact.

Over the past two decades, Smith has built a career focused on creating meaningful change in communities. He has held senior roles across sectors, including the Case Foundation, the White House, the Obama Foundation, and most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of AmeriCorps, where he led a federal agency that invested more than $1 billion per year to strengthen communities and improve lives in more than 40,000 locations. Throughout his career, Smith has been recognized for uniting public and private partners, mobilizing investment in local solutions, and leading large-scale efforts to address opportunity and economic mobility.

“Michael brings a blend of lived experience, executive leadership, and a deep understanding of the communities we serve,” said Ben Hill, incoming Chair of the Eckerd Connects Board of Directors and Chair of the CEO Search Committee. “He stood out not just for his resume, but for his values. Michael’s ability to inspire action, drive change, and build trust makes him the right leader for this moment and this mission.”

Founded by Jack and Ruth Eckerd, Eckerd Connects serves more than 23,500 clients annually across 21 states and Washington, D.C., delivering high-impact programs in child and family services, career training, and workforce development. With more than 2,000 employees located nationwide, the organization recently launched a bold 2025–2029 Strategic Plan focused on expanding access and embracing innovation.

“Eckerd Connects reflects the values that have shaped my life—opportunity, compassion, and purpose,” said Smith. “I’m honored to join this incredible team and help lead a national organization that creates real, measurable impact for children, youth, and families across the country.”

Smith succeeds David Dennis, who served as CEO for nearly two decades and will be retiring in June 2025. His appointment follows a national search conducted by Korn Ferry, which attracted more than 100 candidates from across the nonprofit, philanthropic, and social impact sectors.

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“Eckerd Connects reflects the values that have shaped my life—opportunity, compassion, and purpose,” said Smith. “I’m honored to join this incredible team that creates real, measurable impact for children, youth, and families across the country.”