Miriam A. Smith

Miriam A. Smith joined Columbia College Chicago as Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations in September 2022. Her role will be to lead the activation of programs and initiatives which increase philanthropic support for the institution. Prior to joining Columbia, she was the Director of Corporate Relations for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Smith called Columbia College Chicago home from 2015-2019 serving as Executive Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving and as Interim Chief Development Officer. During her tenure, she successfully managed the college’s engagement efforts with alumni, students, parents, and donors, working to strengthen affinity to the college and increase support through the annual fund and other giving programs.

Smith brings extensive development and alumni relations experience to Columbia College Chicago. She has led such efforts in higher education (Sarah Lawrence College, Manhattanville College, Fashion Institute of Technology), and health care (Grady Health Foundation – Atlanta, Georgia). She also has extensive business experience from her role as Associate Manager, Midwest Booking Agent with Columbia Artists Management in New York, New York.

Smith holds a Master of Music in Opera degree from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Binghamton in Binghamton, New York and a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York.