National Kidney Foundation honors VCU’s Mark E. Smith for outstanding service

By Michael Ford
University News Service

The National Kidney Foundation Inc. has recognized a Virginia Commonwealth University executive for superior service to the organization’s mission to support research and to educate the public about kidney disease.

Mark E. Smith, VCU assistant vice president for government relations and health policy, received the foundation’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding service to the national organization at an October ceremony in Orlando, Fla. Smith is a member of the foundation’s board of directors and for the past six years has served on its Affiliate Relations Committee.

In his four years as chairman of that committee, his leadership has resulted in new assessment measures for affiliate chapters and improved communications between affiliates and the national organization.

Smith has been a foundation volunteer for 10 years and is a former president of the National Kidney Foundation of the Virginias, the affiliate chapter that encompasses Virginia and West Virginia. The chapter credits Smith’s leadership for the achievement of its first million-dollar affiliate status.

“Volunteer service has its own rewards, however, I am honored to be recognized by the National Kidney Foundation,” Smith said. “I was recruited by a friend to join the local chapter and have a friend who underwent a transplant years ago, so this organization’s work has always had a special meaning for me. I am glad to contribute my expertise to further its mission.”

Smith has more than 25 years of service in a number of state agencies. In his current role, Smith cultivates relationships with elected and appointed officials in federal, state and local government and is responsible for planning and executing the legislative and government relations program for VCU and the VCU Health System. From 2002 to 2004, Smith served as assistant secretary of education for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Prior to that, he was executive director for state, local and community relations at VCU.

A graduate of VCU, Smith received a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in political science.