Meaghan Smith

Meaghan Smith is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Banyan Global, a prominent organization focused on international development. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in alleviating poverty, stimulating private-sector growth, and improving health systems in developing countries. Her expertise encompasses development finance, enterprise development, and local capacity building.

Professional Background

• Previous Roles:
  • Chief of Party for the USAID-funded Banking on Health project.
  • Executive Director of the Summa Foundation.
  • Vice President and Uzbekistan Country Director of the Asian Crossroads Loan Company.
• Global Experience: Smith has worked extensively across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, having lived in countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Education

• Master’s Degree: International Affairs from Columbia University.
• Bachelor’s Degree: International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania.

Under her leadership, Banyan Global received recognition as the 2023 USAID Small Business of the Year for its impactful work in health workforce management in Nigeria.12 Smith emphasizes locally-led development and the importance of integrating gender and social inclusion into all projects.2