DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

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Riley Smith is a graduate of Florida A & M University, earning his Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree in December 2010.

 

While at FAMU, Riley made the football team as a walk-on under legendary FAMU football coach, Billy Joe. In college, Smith participated in various extracurricular activities and groups, helping to reveal his passion to serve.  In 2008, Riley volunteered with Organizing for America.  Smith organized and facilitated informational meetings regarding the newly proposed Affordable Healthcare Act legislation, providing critical insight and resources to the public at no cost.

 

In 2010, Riley interned with the Young Elected Officials Network, gaining a working knowledge of nonprofit 501 C3 and 501 C4 operations.  Soon thereafter, Smith accepted the role asPolitical Director for FACE Alliance, a nonprofit GOTV organization.  As Political Director, Smith brokered an agreement that prompted the Hillsborough County Transportation Authority of Tampa, Florida, to offer voters a free ride to the polls on Election Day in the 2010 mid-term elections.

 

Since 2009, Riley has volunteered and raised money for variousorganizations and institutions such as the Leon County Shelter, the Leon County Humane Society, the John G. Riley Museum, the 2nd Infantry Regiment United States Colored Troops Reenactment Unit, the Florida Department of Corrections, The American Cancer Society, and a host of others.

 

As a volunteer with the Florida Department of Corrections, Smith worked as the Sponsor for the "Esteemed Speakers" Gavel Club at the Wakulla Correctional Institution Work Camp.  As the Gavel Club Sponsor, Smith facilitated meetings for the inmates, which are tantamount to the meetings and programs enjoyed by Toastmaster International Members. Further, Riley went on to help spearhead the implementation of gavel clubs in numerous prisons located within Florida Department of Corrections Region 1.