Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh, Ed.D. is the president and chief executive officer of the Urban League of Broward County, a nationally affiliated not-for-profit and has served in this capacity since 2002. A champion for economic empowerment, with a depth of expertise in organizational development and enhancing equity and inclusion within the business community, Dr. Smith-Baugh expanded the reach of the Urban League to include the Entrepreneurship Center and Small Business Loan Fund, which is now designated as a Certified Development Financial Corporation (CDFI) by the United States Department of Treasury. Through its subsidiary, the loan fund focuses lending on minority owned firms throughout the State of Florida, with an emphasis on the counties of Miami, Broward, and Dade. Dr. Smith-Baugh's philanthropic leadership, which has always been rooted in service, extends well beyond her work with Urban League. She currently serves on local, statewide, and national boards and holds leadership roles as Second Vice Chair and Chair, respectively at the Florida Community Loan Fund (CDFI), and Grounded Solutions Network as well as the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance. Dr. Smith-Baugh serves on local and regional advisories and has provided insight and testimony to influence policy and macro issues at the federal and state level. Recognized for breakthrough leadership by both the business and nonprofit industries as well as her peers, Dr Smith-Baugh is a graduate of Leadership Florida Class XXXIV and was inducted into The Jim Moran's Institute of South Florida Fellows and Broward County Women's Hall of Fame. She has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout the years, including Broward County's 100 Outstanding Women; featured as one of the South Florida Business Journal's Ultimate CEOs; and awarded distinguished leadership and service honors from Broward Black Elected Officials, Delta Sigma Theta, and United Way of Broward County. Dr. Smith-Baugh earned her undergraduate and Master’s degrees from Florida State University and a doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.