Kevin Smith’s career experience guiding organizational growth informs his work on the board of NextUp RVA, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to out-of-school time programs. He also serves as the organization’s finance chair, helping to safeguard its financial health.

Smith’s goal is to ensure Richmond middle school students have access to quality after-school and summer programs. NextUp RVA, under the guidance of its board, equips and mobilizes a network of over 140 youth development organizations to deliver OST programs across the city, making a significant impact on the lives of the students.

“Supporting young people has always been my passion,” he said. “At NextUp, I have a hand in helping kids to have positive things to do out of school that can uplift their lives.

Chronic absenteeism is 52% less likely when students are enrolled in OST programming, according to research by the Afterschool Alliance, a national nonprofit organization.

The organization’s study also found that school attendance improves, and significant gains are made in math and reading performance when students participate in OST.

Smith serves as chief of staff at Dominion Energy Services.

Before entering the energy sector, he spent 24 years in public education, holding operational leadership roles with Henrico County and Baltimore City public schools.

Growing up in Franklin County alongside his six siblings, Smith enjoyed smalltown life. He was offered a football scholarship to the University of North Carolina, but chose instead to attend Virginia State University to carry on a family tradition. He went on to earn his bachelor’s in accounting and master’s in economics and finance from VSU.

“My mother didn’t explicitly tell me what to do,” Smith said. “But she made it clear that she wanted me to carry on the VSU legacy.”

Smith met his wife through a mutual friend who sensed they’d be a good match. Together, they raised their children while juggling demanding careers, long commutes and weekends packed with their son’s and daughter’s activities.

Now empty-nesters, they’re embracing new freedoms — traveling, reconnecting and revisiting interests that once had to wait. Even so, Smith still finds joy in working, playing golf, going to church and giving back.

Where were you born? Franklin, Va. It was a small town, and it was awesome.

Where do you live now? Chesterfield.

Family? I have a wife. We have a son and a daughter, both of whom are in college.

What is your professional background? I was in the Army ROTC during college, which led me to join the military. I did my time, but I realized it wasn’t for me.

Since then, I’ve always worked in accounting, economics and finance, even when I worked for Henrico and Baltimore schools.

In the ’90s, I started working with Henrico Public Schools, leaning into the technology advancements of that time. I translated that into my work with Baltimore County Public Schools.

What is NextUp RVA? We are an out-of-school intermediary for middle schools in Richmond. We work to expand access to quality after-school and summer programs for Richmond youth. We want to provide safe, high-quality opportunities for students to explore interests, express themselves, make friends and have fun.

Why was NextUp RVA founded? NextUp was formed in 2013 as the Middle School Renaissance 2020. A group of community and business leaders collaborated with Richmond Public Schools to determine what it would take to help more RPS teens become more successful.

Based on research and best practices, they embraced the out-of-school time (OST) concept.

What is your role as board member and finance committee chair for NextUp RVA? I’ve been a board member for a few years, and now I chair the audit and finance committee. That means I work with the executive leadership team for the board, making sure finances are in order from a governance perspective.

What is NextUp RVA’s mission? To provide Richmond youth with a strong system of accessible and equitable OST and expanded-learning resources. We collaborate with OST and cross-sector partners to build a thriving expanded learning system for Richmond youth. We work in-step with cross-sector partners to help meet youths’ academic, social, emotional and physical needs through engaging, hands-on learning experiences.

Who are some of NextUp RVA’s partners? A host of agencies across the Richmond area. There are literally hundreds of small and large groups. You can find a list on our website, nextuprva.org.

Why and how did you become involved in NextUp RVA? I spent 24 years in public education, and providing opportunities for children has always been my passion. When I was approached about working with the organization, I was very excited. It’s a great way to keep my foot in the door, supporting and uplifting young students.

How have you seen NextUp RVA make an impact? Because these opportunities exist for Richmond youth, they aren’t in the streets with nothing to do. It reduces the chance that they’ll get into trouble.

How can local families and groups engage with NextUp RVA’s work? If you’re looking for a program, reach out to our offices to find out what’s available based on the youth’s location. We can let you know what’s available.

We make the connections and make sure you have what you need. We also provide Information and training for smaller organizations that lack a back office for administration. For example, we help them with grant writing. I encourage everyone to reach out to find out what we can provide.

Does NextUp RVA have an upcoming event? We have regular partnership events with the organizations we support. We host numerous events to promote engagement with volunteers and to help parents seeking activities for their children.

How do you start your day? I’m an early riser, so I get up around 4:30 or 4:45 a.m., work out, meditate and then head to the office by 7 a.m.

Who is your dream dinner party guest? Nelson Mandela, based on his story and what I’ve read. It sparks discussion about his life and the sacrifices he made for others.

What are the top three on your musical playlist? Rachelle Ferrell, Sade and Kindred the Family Soul. 

What is a quote that inspires you? “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

Who has had the most influence in your life? My parents. My parents weren’t educated, but they made sure to give my six siblings and me a better life than they had.

What’s a book that has influenced you and why? I like leadership books. Suze Orman and Michelle Singletary are two of my favorites because they write in plain speak about approaches to finance.

What are you currently reading? “Courageous Conversations,” by Glenn E. Singleton.

What’s next for you? Helping my daughter get through medical school. I made a commitment to pay for my children’s education for as long as they want to be in school.