Jennifer Chrisler to Lead Alumnae Relations at Smith College

Jennifer Chrisler, executive director of the Family Equality Council and a 1992 Smith graduate, has been appointed vice president for alumnae relations and executive director of the Alumnae Association of Smith College (AASC).

In her more than eight years as head of Family Equality Council, a national nonprofit that advocates for modern families, including those with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) parents, Chrisler built a support base of 100,000 members and an operating budget of $2.7 million. She expanded the organization’s legislative agenda, communications outreach, public education, research, and fundraising in the context of a strategic plan to develop the organization as a leader in national family policy. Prior to Family Equality Council she worked in political consulting, corporate communications, and the Massachusetts legislature.

At Smith, Chrisler will be a member of the president’s senior administrative team, with responsibility for implementing a strategic plan for alumnae engagement approved last spring by the Board of Trustees and the AASC board. The plan focuses on engaging alumnae through compelling programs that reinforce Smith’s standing as a thought leader on global women’s issues. Chrisler will work with administrative and academic offices across the college, as well as with the AASC board, to align alumnae programming with the college’s strategic objectives and to enhance alumnae professional and volunteer networks.

“I am delighted to be welcoming Jennifer Chrisler back to Smith,” said President Carol Christ. “Under her leadership, and with her demonstrated experience in constituent management and volunteer engagement, we will be well-positioned to build on the remarkable commitment that Smith alumnae have for their college.”

“I am thrilled and honored to be returning to Smith to work with the passionate and engaged alumnae community to further advance the college’s goal of educating and empowering women for the world. I look forward to working with the AASC Board and leadership across the campus to enact the thoughtful strategic plan that was approved last spring. I am confident that, together, we can leverage the strength, skill and influence of alumnae globally for the benefit of Smith.”

Chrisler will begin her work at Smith on March 18. Her appointment follows a search led by Christ, with the help of a search committee comprising college staff, faculty, trustees and members of the AASC board of directors.