Smith, Clifford A.
Biographical Note
Clifford A. Smith was born and raised on Long Island, New York. He graduated from Springfield College in 1949, earned a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska, and participated in advanced management programs at Southern Methodist University, before going on to devote his career to the YMCA.
Smith was a member of the professional advisory councils for George Williams College in London and Springfield College. He led both, at the time, in record-setting local association campaigns to support YMCA professional leadership. He was recognized by both colleges for his efforts. He later served as president and chief executive officer of the Cleveland (Ohio) YMCA.
Smith helped lead the International Division of the YMCA to several million-dollar efforts to increase funding for international programs. These fund-raising efforts included the successful launch of several YMCAs in the former Soviet Union.
Throughout his life Smith was also an avid collector of postcards, having several extensive collections, including the Cliff Smith YMCA postcard collection at Springfield College and the "Cotton" collection at the South Carolina Cotton Museum. Cliff Smith passed away in March 2014.