Teresa C. Smith

Teresa Smith is a human resource and change management leader who advocates for work and community cultures that motivate and engage employees and volunteers. Before assuming her current role as Executive Director of Human Resources at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Smith held various human resource leadership positions in education and government. 

Smith started her public leadership experience with the State of Illinois at the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Most recently she served as Deputy Director for the Bureau of Personnel at the Illinois Department of Central Management Services. 

Ms. Smith was responsible for all aspects of human resources including those related to the personnel code, rules, and other governing laws and policies. Ms. Smith has collaboratively led teams through the development and implementation of strategic initiatives and realizing organizational potential. Smith is also trained and experienced in effective conflict resolution techniques and labor relations negotiations.

Smith is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association, the Illinois Public Employer Labor Association and is one of the lead members of the SIU Medicine COVID-19 Response Team. Smith holds a certification as a professional in human resources, earned her Bachelor of Science from Illinois College and Master of Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Springfield. A native of central Illinois, Ms. Smith resides in Chatham with her husband and their two children.