Tony Smith
CEO
Whyspeople, LLC
Tony Smith, Ph.D. is the CEO of Whyspeople, a consulting firm offering strategic advising and executive coaching to leaders working to create thriving communities. Past roles include the Illinois State Superintendent of Education, Deputy Superintendent of Innovation at the San Diego County Office of Education, and Executive Director of the W. Clement and Jessie V. Stone Foundation. Dr. Smith held leadership roles in non-profit, higher education, and public preK-12 sectors, including Superintendent positions in Emeryville and Oakland, CA. Dr. Smith has a history of distinguished Board service in the areas of vision, finance, and strategic alignment; including serving as a founding Board member of two public charities (Lemnis and Foundation 99). He is dedicated to creating healthy public systems that develop the whole child, families, and community. He measures his work by increased fair access to quality, youth and adult belongingness, and equitable student outcomes that enhance economic and civic well-being. He earned a Ph.D. in Language, Literacy, and Culture from UC Berkeley.