With over 30 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Nicky Smith is an accomplished leader known for managing complex operations and driving impactful change. Her expertise spans strategic planning, crisis management, financial oversight, advocacy, and leadership development, helping organizations grow and deliver critical services to communities in need. As Regional Director, Mountain West, Nicky leads regional strategy, budget management, business development, and program quality, ensuring alignment with IRC’s mission while addressing local needs. Her leadership emphasizes teamwork, accountability, and innovative solutions to strengthen the region’s impact. Nicky’s international leadership experience includes roles as Deputy Regional Director for West Africa, the Sahel, Central African Republic, and Haiti, where she mentored country directors and aligned operations with IRC’s global strategy. As Director of New Country Programs, she launched operations in Nigeria, the Philippines, and Egypt, building partnerships and sustainable frameworks. Earlier, she worked with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), managing emergency responses in conflict zones like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Somalia, and overseeing financial operations in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. A skilled public speaker and subject matter expert, Nicky has advised on civil-military coordination, peacebuilding, and post-conflict reconstruction, contributing to training programs at institutions such as the Canadian Defense Academy and George Washington University. Nicky holds a Graduate Diploma in International Humanitarian Assistance and has completed executive programs, including MIT’s Seminar XXI and Cornell University’s Diversity & Inclusion Certificate. Committed to mentorship and inclusive leadership, she fosters high-performing teams and promotes continuous learning.