Ryan Smith
Joined the Board of Directors in 2021
I’ve worked in Government Affairs for over 15 years, the last 9 on behalf of the Minnesota Credit Union Network. I’m an avid traveler, always on the lookout for new experiences and adventures. I read quite a bit and enjoy spending as much time as I can with friends and family. My girlfriend and I have a dog that is a complete lunatic but we love her anyway.
I was introduced to Exodus by Board member Anne Leland Clark. I was so impressed by her passion for the values and mission of the organization that I couldn’t help but get involved. Also, she told me I’d better if I knew what was good for me.
Who is one person who inspires you and why?
My grandmother. I got a skateboard for Christmas when I was 10 or 11. After watching me ride it around for a while, she asked me if she could try it. She was in her mid-60’s at the time and had never ridden one before. She promptly fell on her butt but that didn’t stop her from getting back on again. She fell a bunch that day but always laughed at herself and we joked about it the rest of her life. She taught me to love your family, to always be willing to try new things, to not get too discouraged if you fail and to never take yourself too seriously. She was the best person I’ve ever known.