MIT Resource Development

Brad Smith, Leadership Giving

As associate director of the Office of Leadership Giving (OLG), Brad Smith works to recruit the best development field staff in the business. He also expands cooperation between OLG, the Alumni Association, and other fundraising entities throughout MIT, and he assists OLG’s regional directors and leadership gift officers in strategies for growth throughout the country. Brad has worked at MIT since 2005.

Do you have a favorite MIT hack? If so, which one?
I think that whomever put that Hilltop Steakhouse cow on top of the dome is a genius. Anytime you involve a giant plastic cow in a college prank, you’ve done something remarkable.

What’s the most surprising or remarkable thing you’ve encountered while working at MIT?
MIT is disarmingly humble, especially surprising for a place that prides itself on being purely meritocratic. There’s also an overwhelming sense of purpose here that breeds a kindness and openness — and hence a humility — that I’ve only found at much smaller organizations. It’s like we’re one big ol’ family.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
I love the freneticism of the Infinite Corridor, but my favorite spot is the new Green Center for Physics. I don’t understand a lick of what’s going on in there, but it’s a tremendous space to visit. And of course the LeWitt mosaic is beautiful.

Which MIT research area most resonates with you, and why?
The potential for game-changing breakthroughs at the intersection of science and engineering is just about the most exciting thing I can imagine.

Name a favorite activity in your life outside MIT.
My wife and I are pretty active — hiking, biking, running, kayaking — so getting outdoors is how I spend my free time.