David Smith

David J. Smith is an educator, consultant, and career coach focusing on the fields of conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and humanitarian action.  He is also the president of the Forage Center for Peacebuilding and Humanitarian Education, Inc., a 501c3 not-for-profit that offers experiential learning opportunities for students and professionals. He was formerly a senior program officer and manager of national outreach at the U.S. Institute of Peace. He has taught at Harford Community College, Goucher College, Towson University, Georgetown University, Drexel University, the School of International Service at American University, and at the Carter School at George Mason University. He serves on the board of advisors for the master’s in humanitarian action program at the Joan B. Kroc School for Peace Studies at the University of San Diego. He served as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar at the University of Tartu (Estonia) where he taught peace studies and alternative dispute resolution. David is past president of the National Capital Area Chapter of the Fulbright Association.  David is a recipient of the William Kreidler Award for Distinguished Service to the field of Conflict Resolution given by the Association for Conflict Resolution.  He has published Peace Jobs: A Student’s Guide to Starting a Career Working for Peace (Information Age Publishing 2016), Legal Research and Writing (Cengage 1995) and Peacebuilding in Community Colleges: A Teaching Resource (USIP Press 2013).  David has completed course work with Coach Training Alliance and is an official member of Forbes Coaches Council.  David is a graduate of American University (BA), George Mason University (MS, conflict resolution), University of Missouri (graduate certificate,  positive psychology), and the University of Baltimore (JD).  He is a member of the Maryland bar.

Degrees

• J.D., University of Baltimore
• M.S., Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University
• B.A., Political Science and Urban Affairs,  American University
• Graduate Certificate, Positive Psychology, University of Missouri (Columbia, MO)

Media Appearances

• The Today Show, August 24, 2020
• TEDxFulbright, June 2017
• Just Asking, Washington Post, April 10, 2018