David Smith started his career in independent schools as a history and political science teacher. Soon thereafter, he realized he wanted to have a greater impact on his students and school, and that opened the door to a new career path as a major gifts officer. Smith served as an independent schools development leader for more than a decade—most recently as Director of Advancement at St. Ann’s School in Brooklyn, New York, U.S.—before founding David Smith Consulting in 2023. Here, he shares his thoughts about shaking up “business as usual” for advancement events and strategy. 

You’ve been critical of “traditional” events like galas. Why is that? 

I’ve been pushing hard on how to rethink our events calendars to move away from events that center wealth instead of mission. That’s really where my opposition to galas developed. It’s out of date with our objectives. We have two objectives in our [development] offices: to center and build community, and on the other side to raise money. A big, elaborate fundraising gala is in opposition to both of those—so let’s rethink and do it a different way. Let’s bring our fundraising practices in alignment with our missions. Our mission statements don’t talk about centering wealth—they’re about our values, belonging, and community.