JoAnn M. Smith

JoAnn M. Smith, Chair of the Board, Sexuality Information and Education Council of the US.

"The SIECUS Board of Directors is pleased to announce that JoAnn M. Smith has accepted the position of Chair of the Board, serving a two-year term beginning June 1, 2009. Given her three decades of public policy experience and national reputation as a public health advocate, SIECUS is extremely fortunate to have JoAnn’s leadership at a time when we have the opportunity to institutionalize comprehensive sexuality education within public schools, as well as make policy and program strides for sexual and reproductive health.

"Ms. Smith is currently a senior advisor at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP in their Albany, NY office where she advises businesses, corporations, local governments, and other public associations in New York State on the development and implementation of legislative strategy.

"Prior to joining Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP, Ms. Smith served as president and chief executive officer of Family Planning Advocates of New York State (FPA). At FPA, she directed the statewide efforts of more than 125 civic, labor, religious, health, and human services agencies promoting access to reproductive services for women in New York. She served as chief negotiator for New York State’s Planned Parenthoods as well as 63 family planning providers. Her legislative victories include support for New York’s clinic access law and the Women’s Health and Wellness Act (2005 – 2007), as well as a family planning Medicaid waiver, which greatly expands care for New York’s women. During her tenure, she helped to quadruple state and federal funding for family planning services in New York.

"Prior to heading to FPA, Ms. Smith worked as deputy secretary for Human Services to then New York governor Mario Cuomo.

"Ms. Smith served as President of the Board of Directors of the National Planned Parenthood Action Fund (2003-2004), served as Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Empire Justice Center (2007), and was appointed to New York State’s Medical Malpractice Task Force (2007). In addition, Ms. Smith has received a national award for advocacy from the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association (2004).

"Ms. Smith received her bachelor’s degree from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, New York."