Episode 18: Andi Smith of the Ballmer Group on philanthropy investments in mental health workforce.
Andi Smith is the executive director of Ballmer Group’s philanthropic work in Washington state, where she is charged with advancing existing regional grant making and civic activism, identifying new partnership opportunities, and coordinating with our national work and regional efforts in Los Angeles County and the Detroit tri-county region.
Andi has a deep knowledge of Washington state, as well as a wealth of experience in government systems and policy work. She has focused her career on issues in child welfare, early childhood, homeless youth, and housing.
Prior to joining Ballmer Group, Andi was the executive director of external affairs for Governor Jay Inslee. Her previous role with Governor Inslee was as senior policy advisor, where she counseled the governor on an array of human services issues including child welfare, mental health, substance abuse, developmental disabilities, cash and nutritional assistance, homelessness and housing, as well as veteran’s issues. Before that, Andi worked for the Washington State House of Representatives as the lead policy analyst for higher education issues.
Andi has lived in the Seattle area since 1998, working predominantly in children's mental health and child welfare, and serving at-risk kids and families in educational settings. She also worked briefly in Washington, DC, doing analysis and advocacy for the reauthorization of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. A native North Dakotan, Andi earned her bachelor's degree from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota and her masters from the University of Washington.
