Amy M. Smith
Summary
Strategic public engagement and cultural program leader with experience advising libraries and civic institutions, managing staff and budgets, and building partnerships across government, community, and cultural sectors. Skilled at translating complex organizational objectives into actionable strategies that advance equity, inclusion, and community impact. Passionate about strengthening libraries as vital community resources.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
REGIONAL PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST
U.S. Department of State – U.S. Embassy Riga, Latvia
01.2023 - Current
- Serve as strategic advisor to 50+ American Centers across nine countries, including those embedded in libraries and civic institutions; guide directors and staff on program strategy, operations, and public engagement.
- Conduct site visits, meet with local leadership, and analyze feedback from stakeholders to improve engagement strategies and strengthen program impact.
- Design and facilitate educational workshops for Embassy and partner staff to enhance capacity in cultural programming and U.S. policy alignment.
- Manage federal grants and lead annual budget planning to ensure efficient allocation of resources and maximize mission outcomes.
- Represent the U.S. as a speaker and presenter at workshops, cultural events, and public forums, fostering inclusive and accessible community collaboration.
HEAD MUSIC LIBRARIAN & FRENCH HORN PERFORMER
U.S. Navy Band – Washington, D.C.
01.2002 - 11.2022
- Directed music library operations and supervised eight staff responsible for cataloging, curating, and maintaining information resources supporting six professional ensembles.
- Advised and trained 11 Navy fleet bands on copyright licensing, ensuring compliance with federal law and industry standards.
- Reviewed and negotiated contracts for licensing, commissioning, and rental agreements, including synchronization and live-streaming rights for digital and social media platforms.
- Served as Equal Opportunity Program Manager (2018–2022): conducted annual climate surveys, analyzed data, and developed equity and inclusion action plans; monitored outcomes to ensure measurable organizational improvements.
- Performed nationally at concerts, ceremonies, and outreach events, engaging diverse communities and strengthening cultural connections between the U.S. Navy and the public.
LIBRARY ASSOCIATE
Arlington County Libraries – Arlington, VA
08.2019 - 08.2021
- Designed and managed community programs (adult language classes, youth literacy initiatives, arts events) to broaden access to library resources.
- Delivered frontline library services at a busy, multicultural branch, including technology support, circulation, and reference assistance.
Education
Master's Degree - Library and Information Science
University of Washington
Seattle, WAMaster's Degree - Music
University of Georgia
Athens, GABachelor's Degree - Music
Indiana University
Bloomington, INSkills
- Strategic Advising & Program Evaluation
- Government & Civic Partnerships
- Staff Supervision & Training
- Grants & Budget Management
- Contract Review & Negotiation
- Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Leadership
- Public Speaking & Community Engagement
- Cross-Cultural Collaboration
Timeline
REGIONAL PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST
U.S. Department of State – U.S. Embassy Riga, Latvia
01.2023 - Current
LIBRARY ASSOCIATE
Arlington County Libraries – Arlington, VA
08.2019 - 08.2021
HEAD MUSIC LIBRARIAN & FRENCH HORN PERFORMER
U.S. Navy Band – Washington, D.C.
01.2002 - 11.2022
Master's Degree - Music
University of Georgia
Bachelor's Degree - Music
Indiana University
Master's Degree - Library and Information Science
University of Washington