LWVNYS Executive Director & Project Staff
Executive Director & Project Staff
Erica Smitka
Executive Director
Most recently, Erica worked in development and program management at Policy Research Associates, Inc. She worked to expand the reach of PRA’s projects through the development of proposals, management of contracts, and evaluation of programmatic funds, while also managing the Social Security Administration’s ARDRAW Program.
Throughout the years she has worked with a number of non-profits in a variety of capacities – in development offices, doing direct program work, strategic planning, and developing frameworks for data-driven decision making. Erica earned her Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA), with a focus on non-profit management, from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Prior to attending graduate school, Erica worked as an organizer and campaign director. In this role, she fundraised for non-profits and worked on a variety of political campaigns in California, Colorado, and Massachusetts.
Erica holds her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from SUNY Geneseo, with a dual minor in History and Anthropology. As an Albany native with a passion for grassroots activism, Erica is thrilled to be a part of the League.
Jennifer Harder
Finance Associate
Jennifer (BFA, NYU Tisch School of the Arts) is from Flint, MI and was based in NYC for many years while working as a performer and live event producer. She moved upstate in 2018 and continued working in finance and project management with a focus on artistic and cultural organizations. She served as Director of Operations for a toy company, Operations Manager for the resident chamber orchestra at Carnegie Hall, and Director of Finance for a public relations company. Jenny is delighted to be splitting her time at the Blake Annex between two rockstar non-profits: League of Women Voters NYS and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region. She continues to perform as a trumpeter in several bands.