Eckerd Connects hires former Oklahoma Director

After completing a diligent  search for the right candidate, Eckerd Connects—a private non-profit connecting, children, young adults, and families to the opportunities they need to succeed—selected  Lisa Smith as its Oklahoma Operations Director. Formerly serving as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth.   Lisa will continue to advocate for Oklahoman children in her new role. Eckerd Connects is a national organization operating throughout Oklahoma, 20 states and the District of Columbia.   The Oklahoma offices are located in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

In this role, Lisa will oversee all Eckerd Connects programs in Oklahoma. These programs include Eckerd Connects Bridge Foster Care and Therapeutic Foster Care. She will also provide consultation as needed  on the award-winning Eckerd Rapid Safety Feedback Consultation Services.

Smith was named Executive Director of the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth in July 2008 and served until her retirement this year. Her state career spans over 30 years of service, during which time she advocated on behalf of children, youth and families in various roles.

“I am honored to join Eckerd Connects Oklahoma.  Working with youth and families for more than 30 years gave me a strong foundation for me to continue to advocate for Oklahoma’s most vulnerable. My philosophy of ensuring every Oklahoma child can grow up to be healthy, successful citizens aligns perfectly with Eckerd Connects Oklahoma.  I look forward to the unlimited possibilities that Eckerd Connects Oklahoma stands ready to provide.”

Lisa previously held positions of Assistant Director and Oversight Specialist for the Commission on Children and Youth; Program Manager of Federal Grants for the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs, Child Welfare Worker and Supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services; and Probation and Parole Officer for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.

Lisa Smith’s photograph is available by clicking here.

For more information about Eckerd Connects programs go to www.Eckerd.org.