Candace Smith

Candace Smith currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation, a position held since March 2025. Prior to this role, Candace was the Executive Director for both DC and Baltimore at the City Teaching Alliance from July 2013 to February 2025, where leadership of a diverse team supported over 200 active teachers and expanded operational efficiency. During tenure as Executive Director for DC, Candace established the organization as the premier provider for novice teachers, successfully placing over 400 educators in critical roles. As the Founding Assistant Director, significant contributions included doubling cohort sizes and tripling local school partnerships. Earlier experiences include serving as Kindergarten Grade Level Lead at Friendship Public Charter School and as a Resident Teacher at DC Prep. Candace holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from American University and a Bachelor’s Degree in English Language and Literature/Italian Language and Literature from the University of Chicago.