Introducing Jill Smith, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin

Dear Community Partners, Donors, and Friends,

We are pleased to share with you that the Board of Directors has unanimously named Jill Smith as the next Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin. Her first day in this role will be September 1st.

Jill Smith is a mission-driven executive with more than two decades of leadership experience across nonprofit, business, and community-focused organizations. She has been widely recognized for her strategic vision, strong operational and financial stewardship, and her ability to build teams and partnerships that advance organizational missions. Jill’s career reflects a commitment to effective leadership, operational excellence, and guiding organizations with clarity, compassion, and purpose.

Jill’s leadership is defined by her capacity to turn ideas into action. She has successfully guided both startup and established organizations, developing business plans, strengthening operations, and aligning teams around long-term success. A natural collaborator, she excels at bringing stakeholders together—boards, members, partners, and community leaders—to achieve shared goals and build strong, sustainable organizations.

As former Executive Director of the Western Organic Dairy Producers’ Alliance, Jill led fundraising, membership engagement, and national advocacy efforts while working closely with boards and industry partners. In her consulting and grant-writing work, she has secured more than $12 million in funding for organizations across the country, helping them expand programs, strengthen financial strategies, and build lasting impact. She has also served as a USDA Grant Reviewer, evaluating grant applications and applying her experience in grant writing and funding strategy.

Before her nonprofit leadership roles, Jill built and operated multiple agricultural enterprises, gaining firsthand experience in business development, financial management, and the importance of strong community relationships. Raised on a farm in Othello, Washington, she was shaped by the values of hard work, education, kindness, and service—principles that continue to guide her leadership today. Jill, her husband, and their children still operate a farming and livestock business rooted in those values.

Jill’s leadership style is grounded in compassion, kindness, and a people-first philosophy. She is committed to fostering a positive environment where people can thrive. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys painting, gardening, and traveling.

The search process was conducted over several months by Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s CEO Search Team, in partnership with a Search Committee led by me and other dedicated board members. I would personally like to thank Boys & Girls Clubs of America for their tremendous support during the CEO search process. 

We are incredibly excited about Jill Smith joining the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin family and look forward to your interaction with her as she defines her vision for supporting our members. Over the coming months, Jill plans to meet our community members and as you learn about her priorities, strategy, and goals for our Clubs and community, we know you will be as hopeful about the future as we are.

For Jill, the opportunity to lead the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin is deeply meaningful:

“Every child deserves a safe place to learn, grow, and discover their potential. The Boys & Girls Club is one of the strongest examples of a community coming together to support our youth. I’m excited to partner with our staff, board, families, and local leaders as we continue expanding opportunities for young people across the Columbia Basin.”

We thank you for your continued support of our Clubs. Without your generosity and dedication, we would not be able to support the many kids and teens who enter our doors each day.

Sincerely,

Kelly Price

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin Board Chair