Together, with 800 corporate partners, 3,400 volunteers, and more than 20,000 donors, United Way of Southeast Louisiana is fighting for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. The Face of Change series highlights individuals within this mosaic of impact, their unique contributions to our community, and motivations for supporting United Way. This month, meet Tod Smith, President & General Manager of WWL-TV.
What is your role with United Way? What do you do in this role?
I’m currently a Board of Trustees member and a member of the Executive Committee, serving as Board Secretary. In this role, I am responsible for helping to set strategic direction of the organization, assist in fundraising, and promote the good works of United Way of Southeast Louisiana.
What motivates you to give, advocate, and volunteer?
The organization’s mission aligns perfectly with my personal belief that at some time in our lives, we all can use the support of a friend. I think of United Way SELA as that friend who’s there when you need them most. It’s a great way for me to help as many people as I can and it (United Way) helps them in such great numbers that I feel my involvement truly helps to make a difference in our community’s future.
How long have you been involved with United Way?
That’s a good question. My current involvement with United Way SELA dates back some six years. However, in previous roles at WWL-TV, I was the campaign chair for the station. That goes back to the mid-1990s. And even before that, during my eight years with Shell Oil, I served as a departmental chair for office campaigns in Wood River, Illinois, and Tulsa, Oklahoma. I guess you can say I have a long history with United Way, dating as far back as the late 1980s.
What is one thing about United Way that you think people should know?
United Way sits at the forefront of helping those in our community who need it the most, and it helps in such a way that those individuals can become self-sufficient, productive, and successful members of our community. It truly addresses the issue of ending poverty throughout our region.
What’s your favorite karaoke song?
That’s easy – “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye.
What’s the #1 thing on your bucket list?
Those who know me, know that I am an avid photographer. I’d love to publish a book of my photography and for it to be about New Orleans, the city I love the most, would be the ultimate bucket list item!