Staff Spotlight: Nikki Smith

Years at Children’s Council:

2.5 years

How I contribute to the success of Children’s Council: 

I’ve worked in Facilities & Operations for almost two decades and for the past 10 years I’ve served in senior leadership roles. At Children’s Council my work primarily supports our strategic plan’s core focus area #2 – Excellence in Systems, Infrastructure, and Financial Health. The Facilities and Operations team and I focus on optimizing our work environment by ensuring that it is a safe, functional, satisfying place to work. 

What is your proudest moment at Children’s Council? 

My proudest moment was at the 50^th anniversary gala while sitting at a table with previous child care provider honorees.  Each one after the next shared similar stories of how Children’s Council helped them start and manage their child care business and how life changing that was for them, their families, and all of the children they cared for.

What inspires your work each day?

The opportunity to do this important work another day with and for people I care about.  

What’s your favorite thing about working at Children’s Council?

One of my favorite things about working at Children’s Council is the strong cross-department collaboration. I imagine that our leadership teams, over the past 50 years, intentionally designed our org this way. We are one of the greatest examples of how wraparound services come to life to make a real impact on the community. 

What is the greatest challenge in your position?

One of my greatest challenges in facilities management is finding innovative and cost-effective ways to continue maximizing the facility’s use without compromising its functionality or ability to serve our staff and community members.  

What would you do with a large donation? 

Purchase a 70,000 square foot building to accommodate our program growth goals.