The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Linda I. Smith, BA, MPA, CFRM as the Senior Director of Development (SDD) for a period of one-year effective 16th January, 2023.
As the RDA’s Senior Director of Development, Ms. Smith holds the mandate to proactively pursue financial investments for RDA-implemented projects and philanthropy-related initiatives to support the Virgin Islands recovery and development efforts.
In welcoming the new SDD to the team, Chief Executive Officer at the RDA Mr. Anthony McMaster said, “We are proud to have Ms. Smith on board and look forward to her expertise and impact in executing the essential portfolio of fundraising as the agency rises to the next level.”
CEO McMaster added he is confident that Ms. Smith will bring positive change.
Ms. Smith will work in conjunction with the CEO and the agency’s Development Sub-Committee to implement a comprehensive successful capital campaign in the areas of Education, Climate Resilience and Mitigation, Green Initiatives, and the Virgin Islands National Heritage Park Project with emphasis on annual, major and legacy support.
The Senior Director of Development is responsible for the organisation of and strategically aligning both fundraising and friendraising events to be held across the Territory, and in-kind donations. She is also tasked with increasing awareness of the agency’s work, goals and financial needs, in collaboration with current and prospective donors, staff, volunteers and the Virgin Islands community through public and private sector partnerships.
During her tenure, Ms. Smith will develop a three-year philanthropy strategic plan, execute domestic crowd funding campaigns and a create a Contractor Corporate Social Responsibility Plan.
With a solid background and expertise, Ms. Smith is a skilled facilitator and negotiator who analytically, strategically, and logistically evaluates situations, ensuring low cost, while producing quality and comprehensive end-results.
Ms. Smith holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Business Management from the University of the Virgin Islands. She has completed the Quality Improvement Processes Certification Programme, a curriculum which evaluates organisational efficiency levels hosted by Harvard University, and a certificate in Cyber Security Management from the Texas A&M University.
Ms. Smith also has certificates in Fund Raising Management, Capital Campaigns and Principles, and Techniques of Fundraising Management among other qualifications from the Indiana University.
The appointment of the Senior Director of Development is in line with the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency’s overarching goal, to deliver on its mandate to execute recovery projects, build capacity and philanthropy.