Washington Tennis & Education Foundation Appoints Candace Smith as New CEO

WASHINGTON, March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- March, 4, 2025 – The Washington Tennis & Education Foundation (WTEF) announced the appointment of Candace Smith as its new chief executive officer, effective March 2025. Smith brings more than 15 years of experience in the D.C. education sector to the role, with a proven track record of leadership, program growth, and fundraising.

"We are thrilled to welcome Candace Smith to the WTEF family," said Sarah Jackson, WTEF board chair. "Her deep understanding of the D.C. education landscape, coupled with her extensive experience in developing and scaling programs, makes her the ideal leader to guide WTEF into its next chapter. We are confident that Candace's passion for education and her commitment to serving the community will be invaluable assets as we continue to empower young people through tennis and education," said Jackson.

Smith's career began as an early childhood educator at Friendship Public Charter School's Chamberlain campus in Washington, D.C., where she taught kindergarten and served as a grade-level team leader. She was recognized for her leadership and selected for the Early Childhood Task Force, mentoring fellow educators and contributing to high-quality early childhood education practices.

"I'm honored to have the opportunity to build upon the strong foundation of the past 70 years and lead WTEF into its next chapter as CEO," said Candace Smith, Washington Tennis and Education Foundation CEO. "When I think about all the students that WTEF has impacted and will impact in the future, I am inspired by the possibilities ahead. I'm excited to work alongside our dedicated staff, board, and community partners—WTEF's internal champions—to amplify their stories and the compelling stories of the students we serve and expand our impact." said Smith.

In 2013, Smith joined City Teaching Alliance as the inaugural assistant director, playing a pivotal role in expanding the program's impact. She significantly grew the incoming cohort and tripled the number of school partnerships. Promoted to executive director in 2019, she led a diverse team of 35 staff and faculty, supporting more than 400 educators. Under her leadership, City Teaching Alliance became the novice teacher pipeline of choice in D.C., securing a formal contract with DC Public Schools. Smith managed a $10 million budget and raised an average of $1.7 million annually. In 2023, she was promoted to regional executive director, expanding her leadership to the Baltimore region.

Smith holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Chicago and a master's degree in early childhood education from American University in Washington, D.C.

About the Washington Tennis and Education Foundation
The Washington Tennis and Education Foundation (WTEF) is a non-profit organization that transforms youths in disadvantaged communities in D.C. by providing innovative tennis instruction, educational opportunities and outlining a launchpad of success. In 2025, WTEF celebrates 70 years of service to the Washington D.C. community and a legacy of building life champions. From humble beginnings in 1955 to today's high-quality tennis and education programs, WTEF has been a pillar of excellence and a trusted community partner improving countless numbers of lives in Washington D.C. Through its holistic approach, WTEF empowers students with the academic skills, life skills, and confidence to succeed on and off the court. Go to www.wtef.org or social media @wtefdc.

SOURCE Washington Tennis and Education Foundation