Conan M. Smith

Conan Smith is the president and CEO of the Michigan Environmental Council and a lecturer in public policy at the Ford School. He served 14 years as a Washtenaw County Commissioner and Washtenaw Parks and Recreation Commissioner, chairing the county commission in 2011 and 2012. Smith specializes in developing and leading intergovernmental partnerships to support economic and social justice policies and practices. As the executive director of Metro Matters (2004-16), his work was fundamental to the creation of the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office, Michigan Works South East, and the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan. He currently serves on the Michigan Future Talent Council (appointed), Michigan Saves (founding board chair), and Michigan Works! Association (second vice chair). Smith earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan and his master's degree in dispute resolution from Wayne State University.