Meet Our New Fundraiser - Maura Smith

After serving the Goldman School as the Assistant Dean for External Relations and Development for twenty years, the inimitable Annette Doornbos retired at the end of June. 

“Annette was visionary, creative, a superb writer and passionate about GSPP,” says Dean Henry E. Brady. “As dean, I have been lucky to be able to learn about development from her, and GSPP is certainly a much better place because of her exceptional work.”

The Goldman School welcomes Maura Smith as its next Assistant Dean for External Relations and Development. Policy Notes spoke to her about her Berkeley “roots,” why she loves fundraising, and why she finds the mission of the Goldman School so compelling.

Tell us a bit about yourself. Are you a California native or a transplant?

Two years ago, I returned to sunny CA from my native Boston. However, I have lived in Berkeley twice before, including my two years as a graduate student in City and Regional Planning here at UC Berkeley. 

Why did you decide to become a fundraiser, a job that many would find quite daunting?

After a 20-year career in government, I made the switch to Development in 1999. Turns out, I had been "fundraising" since the summer before 3rd grade when I organized a neighborhood talent show and donated the $3.50 we raised to the American Cancer Society. I love connecting donors' philanthropy with their passions. It brings them joy!

What inspired you to come to the Goldman School? What opportunities do you see ahead?

As a former government employee-turned-fundraiser, working at the Goldman School seems like a perfect match for my interests and talents. The road ahead looks bright as I see many opportunities to show how our faculty and alumni are proving that smart, evidence-based policy analysis can move the needle toward large-scale societal change.

In a time when there are so many urgent problems in the world, why should alumni and others give to the Goldman School?

Given today's political environment, there is a growing understanding that research, analysis and advocacy can be the levers for change. At GSPP, we are training the next generation of informed policymakers and passionate advocates who will reduce inequality and increase opportunity. Who wouldn't want to support that?!

What has been your impression of the Goldman School so far? 

My first impression is that the Goldman School is a real community. It can be hard to continually achieve that goal, but I get the sense that GSPP holds tight to that mission--even when it's not easy.