I’ve spent decades learning how systems work—and how they might work better.

About Greg Smiley:

I have a Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH). I bring focus and calm, infused with empathy and perspective & informed by listening and learning over three career phases.

Public Policy & Health Advocacy

Most notably first at the Clinton White House, working on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. There I learned that public health is about more than medicine—it’s about systems, strategy, and advocacy. I led the Council through the transition to the Bush Administration. Later I both founded and led public policy programs for two national health nonprofits in Washington, DC.

Global Health & UN Leadership and the Power of Collaboration

I worked 9 years with the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, shaping global health policy, strategy, and communications from duty stations in Johannesburg, South Africa; Geneva, Switzerland; and Washington, DC. At UNAIDS, I honed my ability to convene and listen to all points of view and to build cross-sector partnerships that drive impact at scale.

Executive Leadership & Nonprofit Innovation

In recent years, I founded and led the Adira Foundation, a U.S. national nonprofit addressing service gaps across neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, MS, and Parkinson’s. Inspired by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, & Malaria, I developed a novel, patient-centered grant making model. Under my leadership, we secured $6 million in funding and awarded 26 grants, reaching tens of thousands of people in need.