Brian R. Smith

Brian holds a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard Kennedy School and a master’s degree in English literature from the University of Virginia, equipping him with a robust foundation in both administrative leadership and comprehensive communication skills.

Throughout his career, Brian has provided strategic guidance to key global organizations, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and USAID, enhancing their strategies through expert market analysis and advocacy for policy change. As the Chief Operating Officer at the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, he led significant market development programs supporting social enterprises in marketing, distribution, and financing, which substantially increased investment in the clean cooking sector. 

Earlier, as the Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy and Resources Officer at Population Services International, he directed global strategies and managed resources across a network of projects in over 60 countries, significantly impacting health and environmental practices worldwide. Fluent in Portuguese and French, Brian’s multilingual abilities enable effective leadership across diverse cultural contexts, further enriching his international engagements and board memberships with organizations in Cambodia, India, Pakistan, and Romania.

Brian is not only a leader in strategic program development but also a strong advocate for public-private partnerships, supporting social enterprises, grant-making, and innovative financing. His efforts have significantly contributed to the enhancement of health and environmental conditions in various regions.

Fluent in both Portuguese and French, Brian’s linguistic skills complement his global leadership capabilities, allowing him to effectively communicate and operate across diverse cultural landscapes.

Brian also actively contributes to the broader community through his board memberships, including with Population Services International’s affiliates in Cambodia, India, Pakistan, and a social enterprise in Romania, leveraging his strategic insights to foster sustainable organizational growth and impact.