Experience

The Right Question Institute

• United States
• Non-profit Organization Management
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Executive Director

  • May 2021 - Present

  The Right Question Institute is a nonpartisan, nonprofit educational organization that builds people’s ability to ask better questions and participate in decisions that affect them. RQI collaborates with professionals in education, legal services, voter engagement, social services, health care, and other fields to help build a democracy where all people — even those furthest from power — can learn, make their voices heard, and advocate for themselves, their families, and their communities. I joined RQI as its executive director in May 2021 and will lead the organization through strategic planning, capacity building, and board development in order to impact more people and more communities, both in the U.S. and globally. RQI has a staff of 10 and an annual budget of $1.4 million.



Vision and Strategy, LLC

• Managing Principal

  • 2013 - 2021

  I launched Vision and Strategy, LLC in 2013 to provide consulting services and support to non-profit leaders and organizations wanting to build their capacity to achieve their highest priority goals. I offer support in organizational development, capacity building, fundraising, executive coaching, grant writing, and campaign strategy. If you need guidance in clarifying your vision and implementing the right strategies to achieve your goals, please contact me at betsysmith429@gmail.com or 207-939-7769.



EqualityMaine

• United States
• Community Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Executive Director

  • 2002 - 2013

  I led this LGBTQ+ advocacy organization to achieve its highest priority goals, including winning non-discrimination protections and a historic campaign for marriage equality. I led the organization in developing and implementing three strategic plans over 10 years and engaged in extensive capacity building, collaboration and coalition building. I built organizational brand and significantly increased visibility and reputation of the organization, which I grew from an annual budget of $75,000 to over $1 million and from a staff of one to ten. I directed all aspects of fundraising, budget and finances, operations, and community and media relations. I also helped lead strategic thinking, planning and implementation of four statewide referendum campaigns on equality.



Citizens for Participation in Political Action

• Executive Director

  • 1999 - 2002

  I led this multi-issue social justice organization in increasing citizen involvement in politics and policy making, by directing all aspects of administration, fundraising and programming. I led the organization through strategic planning, resulting in major reorganization to be more effective. We promoted social and economic justice through the tactics of education, lobbying, demonstrations and ballot measures. I led this multi-issue social justice organization in increasing citizen involvement in politics and policy making, by directing all aspects of administration, fundraising and programming. I led the organization through strategic planning, resulting in major reorganization to be more effective. We promoted social and economic justice through the tactics of education, lobbying, demonstrations and ballot measures.