Bonnie Smith

Executive Director

Professional Overview
Bonnie Smith is an accomplished education leader with over 25 years of experience driving transformative change in the K-12 sector. As the Executive Director of PACE, she leverages her deep expertise in program management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement to advance educational equity and innovation.

Experience Summary

Current Role
As the Executive Director of PACE, Bonnie oversees the organization's key initiatives and partnerships, leading a team of over 30 education professionals. Under her guidance, PACE has expanded its reach, securing over $8 million in grant funding to support new program development and scale existing successful models. Bonnie's commitment to data-driven decision-making has resulted in measurable improvements in student outcomes across PACE's network of partner schools.

Career Progression
Prior to her role at PACE, Bonnie served as the Director of Programs at Parents Advancing Choice in Education, where she spearheaded the development and implementation of several high-impact programs focused on expanding school choice and family engagement. As the Founding Principal of The Dayton Academy, Bonnie demonstrated her ability to build and lead successful educational institutions, driving significant gains in student achievement and stakeholder satisfaction.

Academic Background
Bonnie holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Dayton, where she graduated with distinction. She also completed a rigorous certification program in Nonprofit Management from the Harvard Business School.

Areas of Expertise

• K-12 education program management and development

• Strategic planning and organizational transformation

• Stakeholder engagement and partnership building

• Data-driven decision-making and performance optimization

• Nonprofit leadership and operations

Professional Impact
Under Bonnie's leadership, PACE has emerged as a leading voice in the education reform movement, collaborating with policymakers, community organizations, and school districts to drive systemic change. She has been recognized as a "40 Under 40" honoree by the Dayton Business Journal and serves on the board of the Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools, contributing her expertise to shape the future of education in the state.

Conclusion
Bonnie Smith's exceptional track record of success, combined with her unwavering commitment to educational equity and innovation, positions her as a dynamic and impactful leader in the K-12 sector. Her strategic vision, collaborative approach, and proven ability to drive measurable results make her a valuable asset to any organization dedicated to transforming the lives of students and communities.