Smith to leverage non-profit as he transitions to lead IPS Athletics
November 20, 2015 INDIANAPOLIS – Jamal Smith, head of the state’s Civil Rights Commission, former advisor to Governor Mitch Daniels, and co-chair of the Your Life Matters Taskforce Initiative, has decided to transition from his position as Executive Director to lead Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) athletics. Smith, a former collegiate athlete, has served as a coach and mentor in inner-city Indianapolis for the past 15 years. “The transition is bitter sweet. I’m extremely proud of everything we’ve been able to accomplish in my tenure at the commission. I will miss the work we’ve done as well as the people I’ve had the opportunity to serve with. That said, I’m also very excited about The Lead Change Project. It’s an opportunity to fulfill a longtime passion of mine,” states Smith. The Lead Change Project is a non-profit 501 c 3 Smith established centered around the belief in the power of sport. It “will be the center piece for everything we do,” Smith continued. During his tenure with the commission, Smith orchestrated the Annual Civil Rights Game – a partnership with the Indianapolis Indians and the first to exist within Minor League Baseball. He also implemented the nation’s first statewide Fair Housing Testing program, created the ICRC’s first ever TV show – One Indiana, and spearheaded the agency’s rebranding and outreach efforts, increasing agency recognition and basic knowledge of the Indiana Civil Rights laws. Smith was appointed as ICRC Executive Director in June of 2010 and will retain his position with the ICRC through the end of this year, at which point a successor will be named. Contact: Darren Thomas, dthomas@theleadchangeproject.org