Amy Thompson-Smith J.d.

Amy Thompson-Smith, J.D. has a diverse and extensive work experience. Amy currently serves as the Vice President of Accreditation and Licensure at FORTIS Colleges and Institutes, a role that they have held since 2022. In this position, they manage accreditation and state agency compliance programs for 40 postsecondary schools across 14 states, and supervises a team of 2 direct reports and 2 consultants.

Prior to their current role, Thompson-Smith held various positions within FORTIS Colleges and Institutes, including National Director of Licensure and Accreditation from 2016 to 2022, where they were responsible for managing accreditation and state agency compliance programs and handling correspondence with accrediting agencies. Amy also served as an Accreditation and Licensure Specialist in 2015, conducting compliance visits and audits at Education Affiliates' postsecondary schools.

Before joining FORTIS, Thompson-Smith worked at Kaplan Higher Education as Director of Education from 2011 to 2013, overseeing academic programs and managing staff. Amy also served as a Program Director and Legal Studies Instructor at Kaplan from 2005 to 2011.

Thompson-Smith co-founded a holding company called Goldfarb & Thompson-Smith, LP in 2005, where they worked as a partner and handled legal matters, contract administration, and project management until 2008.

Their early legal career included a role as an Associate Attorney at Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel from 2003 to 2005. During this time, they contributed a feature article to the Hawaii Bar Journal and presented papers at legal seminars. Amy worked on cases for notable clients such as NASA, University of Hawaii, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, and Federated Department Stores, Inc.

Thompson-Smith also gained legal experience through summer positions as a Summer Associate and Law Clerk at various firms, including Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel and the Law Offices of Thor O. Emblem, where they conducted legal research, drafted pleadings, and assisted with trial documents.

Overall, Amy Thompson-Smith, J.D. has a strong background in accreditation and licensure management, education administration, legal consulting, and project management.

Amy Thompson-Smith, J.D. began their education at Willamette University in 1995, where they earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Psychology in 1999. Amy then pursued their passion for law by attending the University of San Diego School of Law from 1999 to 2002, earning their Doctor of Law (J.D.) degree.