Wisconsin Institute for Discovery Hires Derrick L. Smith as Development Director

The Wisconsin Institute for Discovery is proud to introduce Derrick L. Smith as the Director of Development. The Wisconsin Institute for Discovery (WID) is an interdisciplinary research center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Derrick L Smith
Derrick L Smith

By bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and a broad range of disciplines, WID fosters unlikely collaborations, catalyzes new ways of thinking and generates unexpected scientific discoveries. Smith, who also currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Urban League of Greater Madison and as a member of the Agrace Hospice Foundation Board, is responsible for all aspects of the institute’s development efforts including strategic planning, donor relations and stewardship of major gifts.

Smith previously served as Director of Strategic Planning and Special Projects at the Catholic Charities of Madison and as Startup and Business Development Director at One City Early Learning Centers and is a Charter Member of 100 Black Men of Madison, Inc. His deep connections in the community, familiarity with research and development and passion for building dynamic and inclusive institutions make him a great champion for advancing WID’s strategic goals, particularly funding interdisciplinary research, education, and outreach.

The Wisconsin Institute for Discovery is located in the Discovery Building on the UW–Madison campus.