Edward Smith, PhD, serves as the Senior Director, Policy Strategy. He is responsible for developing and executing a policy agenda that advances ECMC Foundation’s mission and North Star Goal. Additionally, Edward leads the development of the Foundation’s policy team, which serves as a resource to its grantmaking and PRI efforts.   

Edward brings extensive experience in higher education research, philanthropy, teaching, and consulting. Prior to joining ECMC Foundation, Edward was a Senior Policy Advisor at EducationCounsel LLC, providing initiative management, project leadership, and other advisory services to organizational partners that included federal agencies, state systems, colleges, community-based entities, and philanthropy—all in pursuit of change that drives positive student outcomes. He previously served The Kresge Foundation as a Senior Program Officer and has been a researcher and consultant for several organizations including NASPA, the Institute for Higher Education Policy, and education departments in New Jersey and Michigan. Edward has taught courses at the high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels and currently leads courses on higher education at Georgetown University.  

Edward earned his PhD at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. He holds a master’s degree in education and bachelor’s degree in economics from Penn State University. Edward currently serves on the board of directors for Complete College America and College Unbound.