CPH 08 - Living Her Best Life, Anchored in Purpose: A Conversation with Dannette R. Smith

Courageous Public Health

In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Dannette R. Smith—longtime public health and human services leader and current Behavioral Health Commissioner for the state of Colorado—reflects on a lifetime of courageous leadership. She shares how she has navigated high-profile roles across the country with authenticity, strategy, and deep values. From leading public health messaging during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nebraska to mentoring the next generation of BIPOC women, Dannette speaks with clarity about the importance of standing in your power—especially when no one is standing with you.

She opens up about the influence of her mother, the legacy of Black leadership, and the pressure to shrink that she continues to resist. Throughout, she brings a message of hope, resilience, and possibility: that now is the time for BIPOC women to shape a new present and future. And she reminds us that stepping into courage isn’t about fearlessness—it’s about purpose, integrity, and refusing to be erased.

Meet Dannette R. Smith

Commissioner Dannette R. Smith is a visionary executive leader who has spent more

than 25 years serving families, children, the aging population, and people experiencing homelessness. She’s led human services departments across the country, utilizing data-driven outcomes and engagement strategies, fostering staff development and community involvement, all with the goal of developing and maintaining innovative, stable, and effective programs.

Most recently, Commissioner Smith served nearly five years as the Chief Executive Officer at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services where she supported five divisions: Behavioral Health, Children and Family Services, Developmental Disabilities, Medicaid & Long-Term Care, and Public Health.

During her tenure in Nebraska, Smith convened a statewide behavioral health task force; focused on opportunities to improve behavioral health services for adults and children, as well as initiated the exploration of Medicaid utilization as a payer for behavioral health services; and redesigned the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center system to include intensive clinical and therapeutic services in the juvenile justice system. While in Virginia Beach, she collaborated with the Sheriff’s Office to provide enhanced behavioral health services in the jail system and provided strategic oversight in the development of the “First Responders” initiative to provide

behavioral health services in the community with the Virginia Beach Police Department as part of their service calls.

In all of her roles, Smith works to build and sustain partnerships and positive relationships to best serve the community.

The 2023 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA), Commissioner Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Eastern Michigan University and a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois Chicago. She’s also completed the Kennedy School of Government, Child Welfare Executive Leadership Program at Harvard.

Listen To This Episode of The Courageous Public Health Podcast

Conversation Highlights

• “Living my best life” - Dannette shares how turning 50 sparked a mindset shift—one that called her to reflect on everything she’s learned and intentionally shape how she wants to live going forward.
• Courage during COVID-19 - She reflects on the challenges of leading Nebraska’s public health response during the early days of the pandemic—navigating political resistance, protecting her staff, and communicating difficult truths statewide. The power of authentic leadership - Dannette talks about using her voice—literally and figuratively—as a powerful leadership tool, and the importance of not shrinking or dimming who you are to make others comfortable.
• Lessons from her mother - She honors her mother’s legacy as the first Black assistant superintendent in their Indiana hometown, sharing how it taught her to lead boldly without apology.
• Strategic leadership - Dannette explains how sometimes “stepping back” is not retreat—it’s a strategic repositioning. She emphasizes political acumen and choosing your battles wisely to win the larger war.
• Uplifting her teams - She speaks with deep gratitude and humility about the teams she’s led throughout her career—and how true leadership is impossible without those who stand beside (and sometimes in front of) you.
• This is the time for BIPOC women - Dannette names this moment as a critical opportunity for BIPOC women to reshape leadership and lead from a place of courage, authenticity, and values.
• Preserving legacy and history - In the face of erasure, she speaks about her responsibility to act as a historian—reminding younger generations of how we got here and the legacy we stand on.
• Personal vision - Looking ahead, Dannette envisions a future dedicated to mentoring young women, helping them stand in their power, own their voices, and lead with courage.

"I wasn’t put on this earth to shrink." - Dannette R. Smith

Stay In Touch:

Dannette R. Smith on LinkedIn

Email Dr. Kristi McClamroch

Dr. Kristi McClamroch on LinkedIn

www.CourageousPublicHealth.com

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Public Health Consulting To Support You

At Courageous Public Health, we are turning up the volume on courage within women, particularly Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color who are doing the work of public health. We support public health organizations through workshop design and facilitation, and speaking engagements. Interested in working with us? Reach out on email, LinkedIn, or our website!