Versell Smith, Jr., joins Chicago House as Chief Strategy Officer
CHICAGO, IL – Today, Chicago House and Social Service Agency announced Versell Smith, Jr., will join the agency in the newly created role of chief strategy officer, effective May 16, 2022. Smith will lead strategic resource development and program innovation and will continue to advance support for Chicago House’s next transformative chapter as a housing leader for communities impacted by HIV.
“Versell is a visionary leader and community resource advocate who is passionate about our mission and deeply committed to advancing equitable health for the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities,” said CEO Michael Herman. “and proven experience transforming programs to mitigate racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare.”
Smith joins Chicago House after seven years at Corner Health Center, Michigan’s first school-based child and adolescent health clinic, most recently as executive director. Versell led an organizational transformation, taking its finances from red to black, revitalizing the workforce, launching a gender affirming clinic, intensifying community outreach, and enhancing the patient experience.
Smith will anchor his work in Chicago House’s strategic plan, diversify the agency’s resources, and set strategy to grow Chicago House’s visibility, footprint, and impact in Chicago. He will also oversee the agency’s fundraising strategy to expand the agency’s client-centered work, especially in communities of color, and build key collaborative networks and partnerships.
“Versell joins Chicago House at an exciting time and builds upon the agency’s talented and diverse leadership,” said Board Chair Ryan Garrison. “He is an executive with deep experience in community-based organizations, a strategic mindset, and partnership-oriented approach who will allow us to accelerate our strategic efforts to be the leading housing provider for communities most impacted by HIV.”
Smith graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in music. He has served on numerous boards and committees, most notably as board chair for the Michigan Humanities Council, Trinity Health, and the African American Endowment Fund of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation.