Strategist. Pathfinder. Facilitative leader.
About Kathy Smith
Kathy J. Smith is a growth and change leader with more than two decades of experience advising on strategy, new service development and social enterprise initiatives. She is an award-winning facilitator of multi-constituent groups and is skilled at managing complex projects from conceptual development through successful implementation.
After a successful career in healthcare planning and marketing, Kathy founded KJ Smith Associates in 1999 to focus on leading broad-scope program development initiatives. With a special interest in providing facilitative leadership to sector-spanning innovation projects and development initiatives, she is energized by the results that come from helping leaders, teams and stakeholder groups clarify strategic choices, provide pathways to action and learn to work and lead together in new ways. For large-scale projects, Kathy leads a trusted network of professional business associates.
Kathy earned a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Oregon, where she received the Al Frazier Award for outstanding achievement in research. Kathy is a Stanford Certified Project Manager (SCPM®) and holds a certificate in New Product Development from the University of Michigan’s Graduate School of Business. She completed the Oxford University Scenarios Planning Program and trained in advanced qualitative research methods at the Burke Institute.
Community Involvement
Kathy has a special interest in strengthening her community through service in economic prosperity efforts. Kathy was a member of the inaugural board of directors of Onward Eugene, a nonprofit focused on cross-sector economic development. She served two terms on the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and participates in the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Advisory Committee. Kathy also sits on the Advisory Council of United Way of Lane County, and formerly served on the board.
Kathy is also a past board member of Parenting Now! and was a senior fellow on the University of Oregon Advisory Council for Planning, Public Policy, and Management. As adjunct faculty at the UO, Kathy has taught courses in marketing for public service organizations, and leadership and change in public organizations.
