Lauren Smith, MPH, CFRE

Lauren Smith, MPH, CFRE has a variety of work experience in the healthcare and nonprofit sectors. Lauren is currently the Director of Community Engagement at Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, a position they have held since January 2023. Prior to this, Lauren worked as the Corporate and Foundation Relations Manager at the same organization from January 2019 to January 2023.

Before joining Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, Lauren held the role of Director of Development-Corporate Giving at UCP Heartland from July 2018 to December 2018. Prior to that, they were a Major Gifts Officer at the organization from July 2017 to June 2018.

Lauren also gained experience as a Development Intern at the St. Louis Area Chapter American Red Cross from January 2017 to July 2017.

Before transitioning to the nonprofit sector, Lauren worked in healthcare as a Registered Nurse Case Manager at Barnes-Jewish Hospital from May 2016 to July 2017, and as a Registered Nurse at Mercy from January 2015 to May 2016.

Overall, Lauren has a strong background in nonprofit management, development, and healthcare, making their a well-rounded professional.

Lauren Smith, MPH, CFRE has a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Health Services Administration, which was obtained from the University of Arizona in 2017. Prior to that, they earned a Bachelor's degree in Nursing from the University of Missouri-Columbia, which they completed between 2010 and 2014. In addition to their educational background, Lauren also holds certifications in various fields. In December 2017, they obtained the "Raiser's Edge Fundamentals" certification from Blackbaud. Later on, in November 2020, they achieved the highly esteemed CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) certification from CFRE International. Most recently, in February 2023, they completed the "Catalyze Class 2" certification offered by Valley Leadership.