EVANSVILLE, IND. (01/14/2026) Dr. David Smith, former Superintendent of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC), has been named the inaugural Sustainability Coordinator for the Evansville Promise Neighborhood (EPN), the University of Evansville announced Wednesday. This new position represents a major milestone in ensuring the long-term success and impact of the Promise Neighborhood initiative well beyond the life of the federal grant.
Dr. Smith brings decades of leadership experience, deep local knowledge, and extensive national connections to the role. During his tenure as superintendent, EVSC became the lead education agency partner when UE was awarded the federal Promise Neighborhood grant in 2023. This required working closely with all partner organizations to develop innovative new data sharing agreements so that partners can better serve children and families in the neighborhood. His understanding of the EPN’s goals, partners, and community impact uniquely positions him to guide the next phase of the work.
“I wasn’t looking to stay busy in retirement, I was looking for something truly meaningful,” said Dr. Smith. “When this opportunity came up, I was truly excited. EPN represents the kind of collaborative, child-centered work that can change lives, and I’m honored to do what I can to ensure that the partners doing the work can continue for years to come.”
In his new role, Smith will focus on sustaining the collective work of EPN partners beyond the grant period, with a particular focus on strengthening organizational capacity, fostering collaboration across partners, and identifying structures and strategies that increase long-term collective impact. His work will help ensure that the systems built through EPN continue to serve children and families across the community.
“Dr. Smith brings a deep sense of purpose, a heart for service, and a lifelong commitment to children and families, qualities that align closely with the University of Evansville and Evansville Promise Neighborhood mission,” said Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, President of the University of Evansville. “His leadership will help advance the important work of Evansville Promise Neighborhood, strengthening it for the future. As an anchor institution, the University of Evansville has a responsibility to invest in the well-being of our community, and this appointment reflects that commitment. We are grateful to our partners whose support makes this work possible.”
Under the Promise Neighborhood Grant, federal funding cannot be used for sustainability and EPN is grateful to CenterPoint Energy Foundation, Welborn Baptist Foundation, United Way of Southwestern Indiana, Koch Enterprises, and Old National Bank for funding the Sustainability Coordinator position. The hiring followed an intentional search process led by an advisory committee tasked with identifying the right candidate to guide sustainability efforts. The committee was co-chaired by Pat Creech of Welborn Baptist Foundation and Pete Paradossi of the Evansville Regional Business Committee, whose leadership and guidance were instrumental in bringing the process to a successful conclusion.
Smith will be an employee of the Center for Innovation and Change, which houses the EPN, so he will be able to work directly with that team in identifying opportunities for fundraising. This appointment marks a significant step forward in sustaining one of Evansville’s most ambitious and collaborative efforts to improve outcomes for children and families.
