As a project manager at McKinley Advisors, Normel Smith brings extensive experience in overseeing complex projects from start to closure. She supports teams across industries ensuring successful outcomes for association clients. Normel is passionate about helping organizations create strong foundations so they can be more effective in their mission. She admires organizations focused on supporting impoverished populations.
Prior to McKinley, Normel operated as a virtual assistant and project manager in an entrepreneurial capacity supporting organizations from startup companies to large nonprofit organizations. She leverages over 10 years of experience in administration and short-term consulting for small businesses. In her roles, she oversaw grant application processes and fundraising initiatives, managed donor data and oversaw various administrative processes. She focused much of her entrepreneurial career on action planning and social initiatives geared towards disadvantaged populations.
Normel earned her Master’s in Public Administration with a focus on Public and Nonprofit Management. She used the knowledge and experience to eventually co-create an annual community initiative to support single mothers during the back-to-school season. In 2022, she became a Certified Online Business Manager specializing in project management and operations.
When she isn’t working, you can find her cheering on her son during his soccer games, enjoying a good cup of brewed loose tea, reading a good self-help book and/or memoir or watching a good movie. She also loves the performing arts and supports them when she can. She led a large step team in her undergraduate years and continues to keep her love for the arts alive!
