Kristi Smith, senior director of alumni and development at UA Little Rock, has been selected for the 36th Class of Leadership Greater Little Rock.

An initiative of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Greater Little Rock (LGLR) is a nine-month community leadership program committed to enhancing and connecting leaders from businesses, nonprofits, and government. This unique program has empowered participants with a comprehensive understanding of central Arkansas’s challenges and opportunities.

A native of Marche, Arkansas, Smith said that it’s an incredible honor to join the Leadership Greater Little Rock program.

“I have attended graduation programs in the past and always had ambitions to be selected over the years,” Smith said. “I’m thankful that I was chosen to be a part of Class XXXVI, and that they waited until we could meet in person to get the true Leadership experience. I think it will help me by understanding the needs of the city in order to incorporate how UA Little Rock can meet that need.”

After completing a two-day retreat in October, LGLR participants meet every month at a different central Arkansas location to explore topics through expert speakers, panelists, tours, and group presentations. LGLR is designed to develop effective leaders by enhancing their civic, social and professional awareness to positively impact our community.

Smith graduated from UA Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in international studies and a Master of Public Administration. Before joining the Office of Alumni and Development in 2016, Smith also worked at UA Little Rock as assistant to the dean of the Graduate School from 1998 to 2002.

“Kristi will be an asset to the class as she has been at UA Little Rock,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “In her role as senior director of development and director of the Alumni Association, she has been a great leader and ambassador for the university. Her perspectives will enrich the class as much as she does ours.”

In the community, Smith is a member of the Council for Support and Advancement of Education; Beta Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, a social organization that does a variety of community service activities including the American Heart Association and Alzheimer’s Association; and a board member for the Little Rock Diamond Foundation, the charitable arm of the Little Rock Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.