A Letter From Interim CEO Dan Smith

Publication date: 21 October 2022

Holt’s interim CEO shares a message with Holt supporters.

To our valued partners, collaborators, and friends:

I am humbled to serve as the interim CEO in addition to my role as CFO at Holt International. I am confident our team will remain strong together during this transition and help pave a path of resilience well into the future.

My career and personal passion are rooted in organizations like Holt International. My wife, Cathy, and I have a heart for adoption — we have three adult children, the youngest of whom was adopted from China. I started my nonprofit journey in 2001 as a missionary, serving in Tanzania as the finance director for the Lutheran Mission Cooperation. Before joining Holt as CFO five years ago, I served in leadership positions for complex, mission-focused organizations that provided social services or healthcare within the U.S. and abroad. Prior to my nonprofit roles, I worked as regional director of procurement and logistics for a Fortune 100 company. I trust that my diverse background and experience will serve Holt well at this time.

Our mission still lies ahead of us. As a leader, I’ve always taken a multifaceted approach for increasing revenue, expanding services and establishing long-term strategic visions. This approach will guide me, putting the children, families and partners we serve as my top priority every day.

While this may be a time of change, Holt has experienced many changes since Harry and Bertha answered the call to help Korean war orphans in 1956. Many people, partners, employees and donors associated with Holt have remained dedicated to this work for many years. I am grateful for those longstanding partnerships! With change, we also have the opportunity for reflection and gratitude for all Holt has accomplished and overcome as the world continues to evolve more each day.

If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. I thank you for your continual support of Holt’s vision of a world where every child has a loving, secure home.

Holt interim CEO Dan Smith headshot

I am excited to be a part of this esteemed organization and I am optimistic about the next chapter of Holt’s storied history because of valued partners like you at our side.

Warmly,

Dan Smith

Read Dan’s full bio on Holt’s leadership page.

Written by

Dan Smith, Interim President & CEO