Uncrowned Community Builders

Russell T. Smith was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. He attended Medaille College, where he was awarded the highest achievement award for his work within community and the private sector. His internship at General Motors Public Relations and WGRZ, Channel 2, afforded him the opportunity to blaze his way up the ladder of success.

As a community activist, Mr. Smith has involved himself in many organizations, civic groups and churches. Smith is president of the Board of the Buffalo Halfway House, an organization that offers transitional services to men and women re-entering the community from correctional institutions. His vigorous participation in the political arena has proven to be a help in expanding his efforts.

Mr. Smith has a unique job. He is presently employed by the New York State Department of Labor, Office of the Division of Equal Opportunity Development. He holds a position as Affirmative Action Administrator. His background also includes his involvement as chairperson of the personnel review board for the New York State Department of Labor. Mr. Smith has other responsibilities including handling discrimination complaints, monitoring state funded programs and compliance within apprenticeship programs for the Department of Labor. He also provides training in the ââ?¬Å?Methods of Administrationââ?¬, ââ?¬Å?Equal Opportunity is the Lawââ?¬, ââ?¬Å?Sexual Harassment Preventionââ?¬ and ââ?¬Å?Workforce Diversityââ?¬ to Department of Labor employees and Equal Opportunity Officers.

In 2007, Smith was recognized by the St. Phillipââ?¬â?¢s Community Center as one of 50 outstanding men in the Western New York Community.