Professional Experience

Ms. Smith advises clients on the development and implementation of legislative strategy for businesses, corporations, local governments, and other public associations in New York State.

Prior to joining Manatt, Ms. Smith worked in the legislative arena in the following roles:

As the President and CEO of Family Planning Advocates of New York State, she directed a statewide coalition representing more than 125 civic, labor, religious, and health and human services agencies promoting access to reproductive health services. She successfully wrote and defended the passage of the Women’s Health and Wellness Act (2005-2007). She was also responsible for several other legislative actions, which resulted in access for healthcare for women. In the regulatory area, she crafted two Medicaid waivers, as well as several extensions to Medicaid services.
President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Advocates of New York State, the political arm of Planned Parenthood.
Director of Governmental Relations, State Communities Aid Association. Directed legislative and other governmental activity on children's health issues. Developed policy agendas for Mental Health Reinvestment and Early Intervention Child Health legislation, which resulted in major legislative changes (1999-2003).

Ms. Smith also served as Deputy Secretary for Health and Human Services to Governor Mario M. Cuomo from 1993-1995.

Education

LeMoyne College, B.A., 1968.

Memberships & Activities

Vice President, Board of Directors, Empire Justice Center, Inc., 2000-2007.

Past President, Board of Directors, National Planned Parenthood Action Fund, 2003-2004.

Member, National PAC Committee, Planned Parenthood Federation, 2002-2008.

Member, Executive Committee and Past President, State Public Affairs Network, Planned Parenthood Federation.

Honors & Awards

Appointed to New York State's Medical Malpractice Task Force, 2007.

Recipient, National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association's National Award for Advocacy, 2004.

Mary Ellen Hamilton Award for Outstanding Support of the Provision of Legal Services to the Poor, National Legal Aid and Defense Fund, 1989.

Member, Delta Omega Honorary Public Health Society, 2007.

Speaking Engagements

"Statewide Organizing: Enhancing the Ability of Family Planning Providers to Serve Clients," Department of Health and Human Services Region II Annual Meeting, San Juan, Puerto Rico, May 2008.

Commencement address at the School of Public Health, the University at Albany, May 2007.