About Wanda Smith

Managing Director of Operations (Focus Area - Custodial Services, Facilities, Technology)

Wanda Smith, the Managing Director of Operations for KIPP Atlanta. Wanda supports facilities, health services/safety, school nutrition, technology, and transportation for the region. Wanda started her career with KIPP Atlanta in 2019 as the Director of Operations. While at KIPP WAYS Primary, Wanda built a scalable, school-wide system that enhanced family engagement and school operations. Wanda has devoted time partnering with her DOO teammate to unify processes, teams, and branding across KIPP WAYS Primary and KIPP WAYS Academy. Before joining KIPP, Wanda spent 24 years as a Vice President, driving over $20 million in revenue and managing over 500 employees in business operations, employee engagement, and communications with a financial institution.

A few fun facts: Wanda is a graduate of Mercer University and a native Atlantan. She enjoys being a mom, daughter, and sister outside of work. She is a trustee and financial advisor at Dixie Hills First Baptist Church. She enjoys traveling and spending time supporting community outreach with her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. If you ask her KWP family, they will tell you that Wanda puts others first, will make things happen for her team, and proudly upholds the KIPP brand.

“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” – Henry David Thoreau