Meet Christi

New Executive Director Joins the Family

“Sprinkle in a little love” is Executive Director Christi Smith’s favorite motivational quote. That fits just perfectly with this biennium’s theme, “Share the Love.” Christi, who stepped into the position in June, collects quotes and displays them in her office. “Keep it simple” and “Grow where you are planted” are also favorites. To those who have worked with her, her collection is not a surprise. Christi is all about motivating those around her to be their best.

Christi took over her duties at the busiest time of any biennium for Alpha Delta Kappa members. She not only had to learn the ins and out of her office, but she found herself in the middle of an International Convention. She described her first time experience as enjoyable and exciting. International President Mollie Acosta referred to Christi as the “perfect fit.” She said, “We are delighted to welcome Christi into the Alpha Delta Kappa family. She brings experience, compassion and a dedication to improving the lives of children.”

Christi was born in Fort Worth, TX, and although her family left there when she was in the third grade, Texas still comes through when she talks about her passions, in particular her family. Christi and husband Jerry have been married 19 years and have two sons, Ethan and Wyatt. The Smiths live on the Missouri side of Kansas City. Ethan will be entering Central Methodist University in the fall. Wyatt, a sophomore in high school, plays the guitar and is very interested in music. Both boys are involved in track and field with emphasis on field events like javelin, shot put and pole vault. Ethan has competed at every level and will continue to participate in track and field at Central Methodist. Christi says this is the first year in some time that she will not be attending cross country races and she already misses them.

Jerry Smith is a Canine Officer with the Kansas City Police Department, stationed at the Kansas City International Airport. Along with his partner, a Belgian Malinois named Baro he is charged with protecting the public from explosive devices. Baro lives with the family and shares walks but not his toys with the family pets, Labradors Hallie and Henry.

Supporting her sons in all their activities by taking leading roles in the PTSA and Booster Clubs and other community organizations is important to her.. Her family likes to camp and play board games. One of her favorites is “Ticket to Ride.”

Christi received a BS in Psychology from Missouri State University in 1994 and began working in childhood education with

an emphasis on health and nutrition. Her professional resume includes leadership positions at nonprofit agencies focused on children and families. In 2008, she earned an MBA in Organizational Leadership from Ellis College of New York Institute of Technology. Before accepting the position at Alpha Delta Kappa, Christi was Director of Family Preservation with DCCCA in Mission, KS. Prior to that she was the Director of Strategy and Innovation with Child Care Aware of Kansas in Salina, Kansas. Christi Smith Christi has been appointed to numerous state committees that focus on early childhood education and fitness. She currently serves on the Kansas Early Childhood Recommendations Panel, Kansas Strong and the Governor’s Council on Fitness. In a recent A∆K CONNECT message, Christi shared how pleased she was to be able to work closely with Let’s Move Child Care National Initiative, a focus of Former First Lady Michelle Obama. In her senior year in high school, Christi had an opportunity to visit East Berlin where she saw first hand the differences a wall can make. The feelings that experience left with her continue to play a part in her life and in her management style. She believes in leading by example and creating an environment of open communication. Why did she apply for the position of Executive Director? She gave three reasons. The position was in Kansas City, her hometown; she would be serving educators and she finds educators inspiring; and she would be giving back to the community. “Everything I love in one package,” she laughed. And Christi is everything A∆K needs in an Executive Director in one package.

The Smith family (Jerry, Christi, Ethan and Wyatt) pictured at 6 Ethan’s high school graduation celebration.