FORT LAUDERDALE – The Urban League of Broward County has appointment Dr. Germaine Smith Baugh as President and Chief Executive Officer of the 31-year-old organization.
Baugh steps into the leadership role following the recent departure of former President and CEO Don Bowen, who was named Sr. Vice President of Programs for the National Urban League after serving the Broward County chapter for 15 years. Baugh was appointed Acting President and Chief Executive Officer after Bowen’s departure in January
“I am looking forward to bringing new and innovative leadership to the Urban League of Broward County to support its continued growth,” Baugh said. “I firmly believe in a ‘can-do-it’ attitude and plan to establish clear, long-term goals in order to serve the current needs of the organization and the community we serve.”
Dr. Germaine Smith Baugh
Baugh’s strong leadership skills and goal-oriented vision helped her rise through the organization’s ranks. She started as a program coordinator in 1996 then was promoted to Vice President of Programs one year later.
Her position was eventually expanded to Senior Vice President of Programs, making her Bowen’s second in command. She is credited for assisting the Urban League in increasing its effectiveness, credibility and scope of services.
Baugh has outlined several objectives for her tenure as President and CEO including:
• Constructing the League’s 25,000-square-foot Administrative Headquarters and Community Empowerment Center in Fort Lauderdale
• Continuing efforts to develop a community revitalization model in the 33311 zip code area and encourage similar capacity building efforts in surrounding areas of north and south Broward County.
• Building the Urban League’s reputation of being the premier human services organization in the state of Florida and ensuring its future by establishing innovative programs in the National Urban League empowerment areas and new revenue streams that will reduce reliance on restricted funding.
“The appointment of Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh has re-energized the Board. We are anticipating the great strides the Urban League of Broward County will make under the leadership of Germaine”, said Urban League of Broward County Board Chairman, Sean Jones,
Don Bowen, National Urban League Senior Vice President of Programs and former president of the Urban League of Broward County said, “I am delighted to be able to officially pass the leadership baton to Germaine Smith-Baugh. I cannot think of a more capable person and it gives me great comfort and a sense of pride that she will be my successor in leading the organization. I know she will build upon the foundation that is there and take the organization to new heights. “
A native of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Baugh obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Communications and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Florida State University. In 2005, she received her doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Non-Profit Leadership and Management from Nova Southeastern University. Baugh is married to Paul Allan Baugh and has a son.
