Jill Smerkers

Jill

Jill Smerkers is our resident human resources practitioner. Jill specializes in the design and implementation of scalable performance management, people development, and workforce training approaches that apply the tenets of positive psychology to drive sustained peak performance from managers and individual contributors.

Jill served as the head of Human Resources for Citizen Schools where she oversaw day-to-day human resource operations, including benefits administration, payroll, and inclusive organizational policies. She is recognized for designing approaches to employee relations and staff engagement at Citizen Schools that resulted in dramatic increases in staff engagement and performance as measured by the Gallup organization's Q12 Survey.

Jill holds a bachelor's degree in elementary and special education from Providence College and a master's degree in urban education policy from Brown University. She is also certified as a human resources professional by both the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI). Jill's experience as both a certified HR professional in the nonprofit sector and a teacher uniquely positions her to design and implement strategies that promote well-being and drive the effectiveness of individuals advancing mission-based work.

Jill serves as a Vice President of Positively Partners, oversees the HR outsourcing practice, and is one of the organization's founding members. Jill lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband Pat, their two children Joey and Annie, and their boxer Emma.