After 15 years helping lead Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) as board chair, Brad Smith is stepping down and transitioning to serve as board chair emeritus. Smith and actress Angelina Jolie co-founded the organization 17 years ago with the mission to ensure no unaccompanied child goes without legal representation while advocating for the physical and legal protection of children everywhere.
Smith is most known for being the current vice chair and president of Microsoft. During Smith’s fifteen-year tenure leading the board of KIND, it grew from just seven employees to nearly 500 across the United States, Mexico, Central America and Europe.
“Brad has been an extraordinary leader for us all, bringing tremendous intellect, passion, and commitment to our mission,” said KIND President Wendy Young in a press release about the transition. “He is a tireless champion for protecting unaccompanied children at every step of their journey. We will continue to draw inspiration from his legacy. KIND’s tremendous impact and growth is rooted in his vision. That vision is a strong foundation for the critical work ahead.”
The board of directors selected Pamela Passman, who has served as vice chair under Smith previously and on the board executive committee since the organization’s founding. Passman is APCO Worldwide’s global chair, corporate, and managing director, New York.
