Staff
Lara Smith
Interim Executive Director
Lara Smith is a seasoned nonprofit leader and Interim Executive Director who specializes in guiding organizations through times of transition with steadiness, strategy and heart. Over the past 15+ years, she has led arts organizations, disability service agencies and survivor support programs — both permanently and in interim roles — helping them navigate leadership changes, strengthen operations and position themselves for long-term success.
Her leadership experience includes turning around a financially struggling theatre, securing a new home for a company after 18 years, overseeing a $1.25 million capital campaign and securing financing for a capital project. She has raised $2 million in emergency funding, transformed a church into a performance space and collaborated with government agencies and NGOs to expand services for families with special needs in the Caribbean.
Known for quickly understanding an organization’s culture and systems, Lara builds trust with boards, staff and stakeholders alike. She creates sustainable processes, improves communication and fosters board engagement — ensuring that when she hands the reins to a new leader, the organization is stronger and better prepared for the future.
When she’s not leading organizations, Lara coaches nonprofit executives, emerging leaders and creatives, helping them find clarity, confidence and joy in their work and lives.