We are happy to welcome our newest team member, Smriti Lakhey, to Global Integrity. As Global Integrity’s new Director of Operations & Programs, Smriti provides organizational leadership and supports design and implementation of projects through technical support to staff and partners.
Smriti comes to Global Integrity with more than a decade of experience in design and implementation of international development projects, with a focus on civil society strengthening and rural development. She has excellent technical expertise in systems thinking, organizational development, and adaptive management approaches. All of this makes Smriti an invaluable addition to the team as we implement our updated strategy with its focus on providing tailored support for governance reformers and change agents around the world as they address challenges relating to corruption, the use of public resources, and the delivery of quality public services.
“I am thrilled to join Global Integrity on its exciting journey to transform practices in governance and anti-corruption spaces,” Smriti said. “I look forward to seeking solutions through local partnerships and prioritizing the importance of adapting approaches to match local systems, working alongside colleagues and partners to keep innovating to ensure that our work in governance is meaningful, has local ownership, and continues to challenge conventional wisdom.”
Smriti also oversees Global Integrity finances and operations in order to support effective implementation of projects, meet grant-reporting needs, and put in place human resources policies and practices. Most recently, Smriti was the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Root Change, an organization that has been at the forefront of systems thinking and locally led development. As COO at Root Change, she provided day-to-day leadership and guided strategic decisions to support the mission of the organization.
A native of Nepal, Smriti has experience working in more than 10 different countries across Asia and Africa through her work with The World Bank and Malaysia Blue Ocean Strategy Institute. She holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).
We are excited to have Smriti on the team, and look forward to the important contributions she will make—in partnership with the board of directors, leadership team, and staff—to move our strategy forward, sharpen our plans, improve our systems, and position us for greater impact.
