A new lens on philanthropic leadership: Reflections from alumnus Scott Smith of New Pathways for Youth
When Scott Smith talks about his path to becoming the new vice president of philanthropy for New Pathways for Youth (NPFY), he doesn’t begin with his impressive career or the leadership positions he has held across respected organizations. Instead, he returns to a moment many leaders might hide, a moment of discomfort and profound clarity.
Twenty years ago, Scott arrived in Phoenix with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and the energy to build a career. He succeeded quickly. He worked in the sports entertainment sector and later managed marketing and events at a local casino, roles that came with excitement, strategy and measurable results. But one day, everything shifted.
For months, he didn’t see a loyal customer he knew well. When Scott finally crossed paths with her, he asked, “Where have you been? I missed you.” Her response left an imprint on him that would redirect the course of his life: “Unfortunately your promotions were so fun that I spent my retirement savings here… I can’t come anymore.”
Scott remembers that moment. The silence. The weight of it. The internal question that rose like a tide: “Is this really what I want to put my effort to?” It was, as he describes, “a turning point,” a line in the sand between a career built on performance metrics and a life guided by purpose. That day marked the beginning of a journey back to what had always moved him: young people, community and service.
Returning to what matters: A career rooted in youth support
Scott’s early life had been full of youth-centered work. He had spent all his college years as a camp counselor; he had always gravitated toward supporting young people, especially those navigating difficult circumstances. “I just loved working with kids… especially those that come from vulnerable backgrounds and populations,” he said.
So, he followed that calling and joined the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, where he coordinated wish experiences for children with critical illnesses. It was transformative. “I was truly excited to go to work every day.” Make-A-Wish offered meaning, but Scott wanted to grow, expand his influence and take on greater responsibility. The answer led him back to school.
Finding his leadership voice at ASU
In 2019 Scott entered the Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management (MNLM) program at Arizona State University, a decision that immediately broadened his understanding of what nonprofits can achieve. “ASU opened my eyes to more than just the program side. I learned about management, grant writing, strategic PR, philanthropy, governance… it really sharpened my tools,” he said.
One of the most meaningful lessons came during an organizational behavior course that taught him what he now considers foundational to effective leadership: equity in management. “I learned that not two employees were the same, and I didn’t have to treat them the same. One employee maybe needed more coaching; another needed more freedom.” This insight shaped the way he builds teams, supports staff and approaches leadership decisions.
Shortly after, Scott also graduated from the American Express Leadership Academy at the ASU Lodestar Center, an experience he now credits with shaping his career far beyond what he originally understood. “The rewards came years later. I saw my friends grow, and we helped each other through wisdom, best practices, networking.”
When Scott was unexpectedly laid off, those relationships became lifelines. “I truly believe I have my job now because of those relationships,” he said.
Leading with values: Justice, creativity and connection
Today, Scott’s leadership identity is firmly grounded in values he names without hesitation: justice, creativity, connection. “I try to be a servant leader, put others ahead of myself, because that’s what fuels me.” For Scott, leadership and philanthropy share the same foundation: relationships rooted in authenticity. “Philanthropy is all about relationships… aligning personal values with the mission. It is about relationship building.”
This approach guides everything he does, from donor stewardship to partnership development to envisioning long-term sustainability for New Pathways for Youth.
Joining New Pathways for Youth: A mission that changes lives
When Scott discovered New Pathways for Youth, something clicked. The mission was clear. The outcomes were measurable. And the impact was deeply human. “The potential to support these kids and give them real support is tangible,” he said.
But what truly compelled him was the data: “Youth with similar experiences graduate high school at only about 55%, but our program is almost 95%. To me that matters.”
NPFY’s impact is grounded in decades of mentoring, community building and wraparound support. “We’ve been doing that for 36 years and supported literally thousands of kids.”
Scott wanted to be part of that legacy, and to help carry it into the future. “Knowing that we can be changemakers for these kids is definitely what drives me.”
Scott’s first months at NPFY have been dedicated to building trust, connection and understanding. “I’ve been doing a listening tour… meeting our strongest supporters with nothing attached. Simply: Will you share more with me?” He believes that authentic philanthropy is slow, intentional and relational.
“Listening builds trust,” he said.
He follows up with donors in a deeply personal way: “I might later share a story of a youth that reminded me of them… letting them know they are supporting kids like this story.”
This human-centered approach creates donors who are not just contributors, they are partners.
Navigating a nonprofit landscape in flux
Scott is honest about the realities nonprofits face: “The biggest challenge is funding… no money, no mission.” Economic uncertainty affects donor behavior. “When times are uncertain, people pause their giving.” But he remains hopeful.
“Nonprofits shine when we show donors ways they can truly make a difference. We do the things government, or the for-profit sector can’t do,” he said.
A leader grounded in family, balance and purpose
Outside of his professional life, Scott is rooted in family. “My wife is my number-one fan and supporter,” he said. His youngest son loves baseball, something Scott describes with pride and tenderness. “I volunteer as his baseball coach. That’s what fuels me outside of work.”
Balancing service and family are a priority. “I believe you have to find that balance, and family comes first.”
When asked what advice he would give to his younger self, Scott answers with a kind of quiet wisdom: “It takes time. Early in my career I expected to have things figured out quicker. But we are always learning; we are always growing.”
Today, Scott Smith stands at the intersection of purpose and possibility, bringing decades of lived experience, lessons from ASU and a deep commitment to youth to his role at New Pathways for Youth. His story is one of transformation, humility and hope. And for the young people he now serves, his next chapter is just beginning.
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