Around WakeTech
New Leader Takes Helm At Wake Tech Foundation
RALEIGH, N.C. (June 30, 2016) -The Wake Tech Community College Foundation has a new leader. Matt Smith has been named Executive Director, leading efforts to grow private support for the college. Smith has been serving as Associate Executive Director since he joined the Foundation last August. In his new role, Smith will be responsible for managing over $12.5 million in total assets while adding to that base.
Prior to joining the Wake Tech Foundation, Smith spent a decade as a business developer in the commercial construction industry. He also spent 12 years working in alumni relations and fundraising at NC State University.
Smith was previously a member of the Wake Tech Foundation Board of Directors. He is active with a number of business and economic development groups, including The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce (Government Affairs and Inter-City Committees), the Triangle YMCA (Property and Facilities Committee), the NC Economic Developers Association, and the Oak City Seven Concert Series (Organizing Committee).
Smith graduated from NC State with a degree in business management. He lives in Apex with his wife and two daughters.
“Funds raised through the Wake Tech Foundation play a vital role in helping students and ultimately, our community,” said Smith. “I truly appreciate the generosity of our donors and community partners, and I look forward to expanding our strong base of support. As NC’s largest community college/university, we are expected to grow our resources significantly to meet our college’s important mission.”
The Wake Tech Foundation partners with corporations, foundations, and individuals to raise resources to support the institutional and instructional needs of Wake Tech Community College. The Foundation manages an array of resources that are critical to Wake Tech’s success, including corporate investments, foundation grants, alumni and employee contributions, and financial and in-kind support from many other friends of the college. These resources allow Wake Tech to continue its 50-year tradition of providing top-quality, affordable education and training to the Wake County region. In 2014-15, the Foundation spent nearly $350,000 on student resources, including scholarships, Fostering Bright Futures, and other student-centered programming.
Smith succeeds Mort Congleton, who stays on at Wake Tech as Executive Vice President.
