United Way Community Campaign Chair Charles D. Smith, Jr., and United Way of Eastern Fairfield County President & CEO Merle Berke-Schlessel, Esq.

Bridgeport-born professional athlete and entrepreneur Charles D. Smith is the 2006-2007 United Way Community Campaign Chair. In this capacity, the former NBA star is assisting United Way in continuing its Community Impact mission to create substantial and lasting changes in people’s lives and in the community. According to United Way president and CEO Merle Berke-Schlessel, Esq., Smith is a perfect choice for the position of Campaign Chair. “Charles’s roots to our community and his ongoing commitment to and work for its betterment are apparent to all who know him. In his years as a local resident, and to this day, he continues his calling to promote self- sufficiency and to improve the quality of life for the children and families in our area.”

A 1988 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and a member of that year’s U.S. Olympic team, Smith is most well known for his ten-year NBA career. In addition to his prowess on the basketball court, Smith has long exhibited expertise as a marketing strategist and CEO of various companies. Many organizations and media articles, including NJBiz Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40’ Entrepreneurs in New Jersey,” have recognized his work. Currently, Smith oversees his various business ventures and serves in several consultancy positions. He is a sought-after keynote speaker, who has presented at several national and global conferences including the Forbes CEO Forum, the Milken Institute for Emerging Global Markets and the GE Executive Leadership Forum.

Smith’s passion, though, resides in helping others. In 1989, he founded the Charles D. Smith, Jr., Foundation, Inc. that provides after-school programs focused on academic skills, character building, motivation, personal responsibility and self-esteem. The Foundation has implemented prevention programs for “at-risk” individuals and classes for adults on parenting skills, health education and financial planning. Summer computer camps, health, exercise and wellness programs, and youth drug-free mentoring programs round out the Foundation’s work.

Commenting on his campaign chairmanship, Smith noted, “United Way of Eastern Fairfield County’s goals and programs parallel my own philanthropic endeavors. I am delighted to be in a position where I can help forward United Way’s mission by raising charitable dollars to invest in initiatives that are improving lives and building stronger communities.”

People’s Bank executive vice president of the Consumer Financial Services division Bryan J. Huebner will serve as co-chair of the Community Campaign Cabinet. Eight other volunteers round out the team:

Thayer Barkley (Bridgeport) Charles D. Smith, Jr., Foundation

Jayne Bolton (Trumbull) People’s Bank

Mark Fries (Newtown) Beardsley Brown and Bassett

Tim Hampford (Trumbull) Hampford Research

Rexanne Kudravy-Wargo (Trumbull) RBS

Ronald Nolting (Stratford) People’s Bank, People’s Securities

Eugene Richter (Fairfield) Richter Real Estate Century 21