Dedicating almost three decades of his life to public service, Thurston S. Smith is indeed one of the best consultants in the fields of behavioral health and organizational leadership. He has significantly contributed to many notable and respected organizations nationwide and absolutely shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
Among many things, Thurston S. Smith upholds his belief to forward the value of diversity and inclusion within the community. He believes that everyone has a responsibility to make communities better, and he has always been proactive in encouraging people to take on their roles. Thurston is passionate about uplifting a faith-based community where the environment is suited for everyone to thrive.
Thurston S. Smith motivates others to be the change and participate in community efforts. To echo his words, “Despite the presence of apathy and skepticism within society, there are still many individuals committed to making things better–committed to integrity and helping others.”
After retiring from the US Veterans Health Administration, Thurston S. Smith continued to serve the public through various roles. Since welcoming a new chapter in his civil service career, he has become a Congressional Liaison, Mental Health Program Coordinator, Employment Services Program Manager, Chemical Dependency Center Program Supervisor, Education Specialist, and a host for multiple leadership roles across the country.
Throughout his run, Thurston S. Smith has changed many lives as a coach, mentor, and counselor. He has also selflessly offered his services and is now an honorably discharged noncommissioned officer of the US Army National Guard.
Thurston S. Smith is currently affiliated with Paramount Consulting Group, PLLC. The company is a minority-owned business providing accreditation readiness, quality assurance, and contract compliance for behavioral health organizations across the United States.
In addition, Thurston serves the public using his 25 years of experience in criminal and juvenile legal procedures, public policy, mental health, and children and youth services programming. During those years, he has also served as an Administrative and Program Surveyor for CARF International, an independent, non-profit accreditor of health and human services programs.
Furthermore, Thurston S. Smith is committed as a community organizer and public policy activist. In fact, he has provided his oral testimony before the US Congressional Black Caucus Political Leadership Institute on criminal justice reform, serving as a voice to those who do not have the power to speak and amplify their cause. Thurston has also appeared before the Tennessee House of Representatives on juvenile justice policy.
In the August of 2018, the consultant served as a delegate and special advisor to the Shelby County Commission, appearing before the senior leadership of the US Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, DC, and has consistently taken a role with the Shelby County Opioid Task Force and Shelby County Commission Community Health Advisory Committee.
Thurston S. Smith has an unparalleled passion for standing against poverty and racial injustice. Both areas have always driven him to lead the change in his community. Therefore, it came as no surprise when the consultant was added as an Honorary Member of the National Wall of Tolerance by co-chairs Rosa Parks and Morris Dees. The recognition was given for his outstanding public service. It was presented by the Shelby County Mayor and Shelby County Commission through a joint proclamation with the Tennessee House of Representatives and Tennessee Senate.
He earned his Master of Public Administration degree from Capella University School of Public Service Leadership. He also has a Graduate Certificate in Counseling from the Harold Abel School of Social And Behavioral Sciences. In addition, Thurston obtained a Bachelor of Science degree with a specialization in management and leadership from Capella’s School of Business and Technology. Additionally, Thurston is also a graduate of Leadership in Beaufort, South Carolina, and a graduate of the Leadership Memphis Executive Class 2013.
