Do it Best Foundation names new director
Fort Wayne, Indiana-based Do it Best hired Curtis Smith as the new executive director of The Do it Best Foundation.
He replaces Randy Rusk, the company veteran was recently promoted to a role of special projects manager for integrations at Do it Best.
Smith is well known in Fort Wayne, where he was a meteorologist and television news personality for the 21Alive news team for more than a decade.
Most recently, Smith served as the chief marketing and communications officer for Lasting Change Inc, an organization that offers business services for several non-profit counseling companies. He also held the role of vice president of Crosswinds Counseling.
Prior to that, he worked at Parkview Health as the corporate director of community engagement.
“Throughout his career Curtis has demonstrated a decades-long passion for Northeast Indiana,” said Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing and Foundation Board Chair Nick Talarico. “His community visibility will be a real asset as he grows our social service network and builds greater awareness of the Do it Best Foundation’s support for essential needs like housing stability, food security, health care access, and clothing assistance.”
In his new role, Smith will focus on building the Foundation’s impact and presence in the communities it serves.
“I’m deeply honored to step into this leadership role with the Do it Best Foundation,” said Smith. “I’ve watched the growth and impact of the Do it Best Foundation over the last five years and it’s a real thrill to now be able to lead it forward.”
Smith’s attention will focus immediately on launching Cookin’ Fort Wayne on May 21, 2025. “We’re bringing back a cherished community celebration of food and fellowship on the Electric Works campus that will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Indiana,” he said. “And that will be followed by our 5th annual Fore the Cause charity golf tournament in June where we look to raise $1.25 million to support our mission.”
Smith holds an undergraduate degree in communications and a Master’s degree in organizational leadership.
