American Bar Association President Mary Smith, ’91, has been named a recipient of the University of Chicago’s 2024 Diversity Leadership Award.

Smith, the first Native American to hold the top ABA leadership position in the organization’s 145-year history, has championed diversity efforts throughout a distinguished career that encompasses leadership roles in law, business, and government.

An independent board member and former C-suite executive, Smith is currently on the board of PTC Therapeutics, Inc., a global biopharmaceutical company, and is vice chair of the VENG Group, a government relations and public affairs firm based in Washington, DC. She is also founder and president of the Caroline and Ora Smith Foundation—named for her mother and grandmother—which supports the education of Native American girls and women in STEM fields.

In her previous role as CEO of the Indian Health Service, a national healthcare system serving over two million people, Smith oversaw the development of an operational framework that utilized data analytics to improve services, allocate resources and develop the workforce. Earlier in her career, Smith worked in federal positions including associate counsel to the president at the White House and trial attorney at the US Department of Justice.

She is widely recognized for her service and leadership, having been named a 2023 Business Leader of Color by Chicago United, a 2023 Director to Watch by Directors & Board magazine and a recipient of the 2023 Cherokee National Statesmanship Award.

Smith is one of two University alumni to receive the award and one of six total recipients.

“The 2024 Diversity Leadership Award honorees personify the University of Chicago’s commitment to the assemblage of diverse voices, perspectives and talents in pursuit of excellence,” said Waldo E. Johnson Jr., vice provost for diversity and inclusion. “The honorees inspire us to advance our commitment to diversity and inclusion as fellow faculty, staff, students and alumni of our University community and beyond.”

Smith and other recipients will be recognized at an MLK commemoration on Jan. 30.