SHERRY L. SMITH

President & CEO

Sherry Smith was appointed President and CEO of Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum in March 2017. With more than 20 years of experience as an advancement professional in higher education and pediatric healthcare, Sherry also brings strong community leadership and volunteer management to her role. Over her career, she has overseen 300-member volunteer programs and executed over 1,000 events on local and national levels. Her early roles as a small business owner, substitute teacher, and career advisor contributed to the business acumen and leadership skills she brings to Bellefontaine today.

“Becoming the President and CEO of a cemetery is not something that crosses one’s mind every day, but when I learned how Bellefontaine serves our community, it truly spoke to my heart. I love the rich history, the beautiful gardens, the commitment to native plantings and green practices, but above all, it’s Bellefontaine’s profound care for our families, past, present, and future, that I was most excited to be a part of.”

Before joining Bellefontaine, Sherry served as Chief Development Officer at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, where she helped shepherd the Hospital’s “Beyond Campaign” for its building expansion. She has also held development roles at Washington University, the YMCA of Greater St. Louis, and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. While at Washington University, Sherry co-developed and led the Campaign for the Danforth University Center. At St. Louis Children’s Hospital, she helped coordinate the Care & Cures Campaign and the Time to Play Campaign and supported key leadership in other key initiatives.

Sherry earned her Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.