Joanne L. Smikle, PhD
Independent Director
Governance · Strategy · Human Capital Utilization
As a nationally recognized business consultant and leadership educator, I bring keen analytical abilities and agile thinking to board service. I have in-depth knowledge of human capital utilization, employment best practices, organizational effectiveness, strategy formulation, execution, and evaluation. This knowledge gives me a clear understanding of the complexities organizations face and paths forward that align strategy and operations. My consulting experience gives me the capacity to analyze challenges from the perspectives of varied stakeholders. Being actively engaged in leadership development at the C-suite gives me strong insights into the dilemmas that executives face, as well as the competencies required for their individual success. The coaching, advice, and counsel that I provide translates into a strong ability to help boards maintain healthy relationships with the company's leaders. Because I believe that open dialogue is vital, I am comfortable posing difficult questions that spark consideration of several approaches to reach the enterprise's strategic objectives. My natural disposition as a collaborator enhances my effectiveness when engaged in decision making with my board colleagues.
Board & Governance Experience
Current and recent board service, with committee leadership across nominating & governance, institutional advancement, and strategic planning.
Company provides post-acute care, senior independent living, memory care, and rehabilitation services. Owns and operates facilities in Pennsylvania, New York, Washington, and Illinois.
Evaluates statewide progress in improving the quality of nursing home and assisted living care.
Post-graduate institution in the humanistic tradition. I chair the board's Institutional Advancement and Governance Committees.
National foundation funding research into treatments and cures for brain disease.
Works to ensure the nation's physician workforce racially and ethnically represents the population it serves.
Maryland nonprofit providing housing for low-wage workers and those at risk of homelessness, in partnership with developers, corporations, and philanthropists.
Professional Experience
I bring significant and sustained experience providing consulting to executives in many industry sectors. I partner with leaders to implement sound initiatives that positively impact a range of business issues related to organizational effectiveness, bridging the gap between strategy and operations, succession planning, and skillful talent management. I deliver advice and counsel focused on thoughtful approaches to reaching the organization's long and short-range objectives. Areas of expertise follow:
- Strategy Formulation, Implementation and Evaluation
- Human Capital Utilization, Succession Planning, Workforce Best Practices
- Executive & Leadership Development
- Organizational Effectiveness, Organizational Development, Organizational Change & Organizational Culture
I am instrumental in developing and implementing organizational change initiatives. I devise programmatic interventions to transform corporate culture while enhancing performance and productivity. I help clients develop and refine the leadership competencies required to meet current and anticipated business demands.
Thought Leadership
Featured in business publications that focus on leadership, strategy, and organizational effectiveness.
The SmikleSpeaks podcast reaches leaders and learners in 24 countries across the globe.
Serving private and public sector organizations as well as nonprofits nationwide.
Board Inquiries
I welcome conversations with nominating committees and executive search firms regarding independent director and advisory board opportunities.
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