Ron C. Smith

Background

About Ron C. Smith

Dr. Ron C. Smith is Vice President of Philanthropy at Salesforce and brings more than 25 years of experience in the education, philanthropy, and youth professional development fields. Ron has overseen $225 million in philanthropic investments and directs strategic giving for the Salesforce Foundation, while leading a global grantmaking team to propel the Foundation’s vision of education and economic opportunity for all. Dr. Smith was named on the AfroTech Future 50 list honoring Black rising titans in tech. He is celebrated as a Corporate Catalyst pushing toward a more inclusive, diverse ecosystem for underrepresented groups. Before coming to Salesforce, Dr. Smith spent 20 years in the Oakland public school districts. He served as a teacher, elementary and middle school principal, network superintendent, and assistant superintendent supervising a K-12 school transformation in Oakland. As a lifelong educator and leader with equity as a driving force, Dr. Smith is focused on improving the outcomes for those furthest from success as we prepare young people for the careers of the future. He serves as advisor to Oakland Thrives Council, Institute for Educational Leadership, Helix School Board, and the Greenlight Foundation, as well as executive sponsor of Salesforce’s Black-Owned Business Mentorship Program. Dr. Smith holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Social Justice, California State University East Bay, and a Masters of Arts, Principal Leadership Institute, University of California, Berkeley.