Experienced policy leader Taylor Smiley Wolfe brings more than a decade of experience to new role
ROSEBURG, Ore. — The Ford Family Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of Taylor Smiley Wolfe as its first Director of Policy. Her hiring will help build the Foundation’s emerging strategy to advance systems and policy change to support rural communities.
“Taylor brings a unique policy-based, data-centered approach to her work and combines it with pragmatic knowledge of the policymaking process,” said Tim Inman, the Foundation’s chief policy and public affairs officer. “She is deeply committed to making an impact and approaches her work with humility and care for both her colleagues and the communities she serves.”
Smiley Wolfe has more than 13 years of experience in public policy and government leadership focused on improving outcomes for families and communities. Most recently, she served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Tina Kotek, where she helped lead statewide initiatives to improve education outcomes, strengthen behavioral health systems, reduce homelessness and increase the production of homes people can afford.
She previously served as Housing and Homelessness Initiative Director to the Governor’s Office, Policy Director for Home Forward and as Policy Director for the Oregon House Speaker. Over the course of her career, she has helped advance major legislation to improve early childhood and K-12 education outcomes and to increase housing choice and affordability for Oregonians.
Her experience working across public and nonprofit sectors to translate policy goals into practical solutions will help advance the Foundation’s commitment to strengthening opportunities for children and families in rural Oregon and Siskiyou County, Calif.
“Oregon thrives when everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to unlock their potential. Changing policy and systems is about removing the unnecessary barriers that hold people and communities back and increasing opportunities for people and communities to determine their own futures,” said Smiley Wolfe. “Families know what they need and I am thrilled to join The Ford Family Foundation’s work to amplify their voices and drive the change they want to see for their kids.”
Smiley Wolfe holds a master’s degree in public policy from the University of California, Berkeley, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Oregon.
She will join the Foundation’s Policy and Public Affairs team at the end of April.
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About The Ford Family Foundation
The Ford Family Foundation believes in the power of rural communities. It is a private, nonprofit foundation proudly headquartered in Roseburg, Oregon, serving rural Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. Its investments through grants, scholarships and community building create the conditions so that children have the family, educational and community supports they need to succeed in life. www.tfff.org
General media inquiries
Sarah Pytalski, Learning Officer – Policy and Communications
(541) 492-2396, spytalski@tfff.org
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