Valerie Smith

Valerie Smith is the Director of Talent and Operations at The Dispatch, a role she has held since the early days of the organization.

Background and Education

Valerie Smith graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Government from Wheaton College, where she studied from 2009 to 2013.3

Career

Before joining The Dispatch, Smith served as the chief of staff for an education non-profit in Chicago.12

Role at The Dispatch

Valerie Smith was the first official employee of The Dispatch, although she notes that there were other individuals being recruited and involved simultaneously. Her responsibilities include:

• Human resources
• Finances
• Board governance
• Vendor management She has played a crucial role in building the company's systems from the ground up and has seen the organization grow from a handful of employees to 27 full-time staff members.1

Contributions and Culture

Smith is proud of the company culture at The Dispatch, highlighting the collaborative and family-friendly environment. She appreciates the intellectual discussions among the staff and the support for healthy disagreements. The company's culture has been instrumental in retaining talent over the years.1

Current Involvement

Valerie Smith continues to lead strategic initiatives and oversee various functions at The Dispatch, contributing to the organization's growth and professionalization.