William H. “Smitty” Smith, Ed.D., the founder and executive director of the National Center for Race Amity (NCRA) has announced his retirement as the chief administrator for the organization.

Smith, who founded the organization in 2010, said “It is time for new leadership at the NCRA helm,” citing age and energy as factors in his retirement along with the desire to finish a couple of book projects and other pursuits. He will continue to serve on the Board of Directors of which he is Co-chair and work in a consultant capacity with NCRA Deputy Director Glen Fullmer while the national search for a new executive director is conducted. Detailed information on the national search will be announced by the Board of Directors Search Committee in the coming weeks.