Ja’Ron Smith on The Steve Hook Show - 7 September 2023

GUEST OVERVIEW: Ja'Ron Smith is a Partner at Dentons Global Advisors Government Relations. A policy expert experienced in advocacy, legislating, and policy strategy and negotiation, he advises clients on a range of issues including regulatory affairs, economic mobility, social justice, finance, banking, and housing and urban development. Most recently, Mr. Smith was the Executive Director at Center for Advancing Opportunity (CAO), which supports students and faculty at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) as well as other majority colleges and universities in developing research-based solutions to the most pressing issues in fragile communities. Previously, Mr. Smith served as a Deputy Assistant to the President for the White House Domestic Policy Council and the Office of American Innovation. As a Deputy Assistant to the President, he spearheaded initiatives such as criminal justice reform, workforce development, opportunity zones, and others. Prior to his role as Deputy Assistant to the President, he served as Special Assistant to the President in the Office of Legislative Affairs, as a Special Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, and as the Director of Urban Affairs and Revitalization. In the latter role, he was a chief policy strategist, and an advisor to the President, along with serving as a manager of HBCU initiatives, crime and reentry, and the manager of the White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative. Prior to his time in the White House, Mr. Smith served in senior staff roles on the House Financial Services Committee and for Senator Tim Scott (R-SC). Mr. Smith has played an important role in policy development and social change in the D.C. Metropolitan Area through his service in the non-profit and political sectors.