Sande Smith

Sande Smith is director of communications at The California Wellness Foundation. In this capacity, she develops and oversees external and internal communications programs that support and advance the Foundation’s mission, vision and voice. She is responsible for expanding the Foundation’s online presence via a variety of integrated platforms; and developing and identifying key messages, audiences and communications channels.

Smith joined Cal Wellness in March 2017. Previously, she worked as director of strategic communications for ConnectEd: The California Center for College and Career, where she led internal and external communications strategies, including redesigning and relaunching the organizational website, and implementing regular online communications that featured ConnectEd staff as “thought leaders.” As communications director at the Women’s Foundation of California, she designed and led strategic communications efforts that included launching a new website, and cultivating advocates to take online actions on behalf of low-income women and families. Prior to that, Smith worked at the Global Fund for Women where her work generated coverage on issues such as the role of philanthropy in making social change and the disproportionate effect of natural disasters on women. She developed award-winning publications and did public speaking about human rights challenges facing women around the world. Previous positions include senior account executive for the global firm Ruder Finn Public Relations; campaign manager for the Center for Responsible Funding in Philadelphia; and public relations professional for the Free Library of Philadelphia.

Smith is past president of the San Francisco chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Portuguese and Brazilian Studies from Brown University.