CJ Smith

CJ Smith serves as Vice President of Strategic People & Culture Partnerships at Compassion International. He leads P&C Partnerships, a global team of strategic HR partners for Compassion’s workforce, equipping and empowering individuals, leaders and teams to pursue the mission of releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name.

CJ brings nearly 15 years of experience at Compassion and has built his career at the intersection of people, culture and ministry impact. His work is centered on strengthening how leaders and teams engage, grow and execute — ensuring the organization is equipped to advance its mission with clarity, cohesion and care.

Known for his ability to translate strategy into meaningful action, CJ shapes how People & Culture supports the ministry — fostering strong partnerships, cultivating healthy team dynamics and advancing a consistent, people-centered employee experience. With a global perspective and a deep understanding of employee relations and legal compliance, CJ also helps leaders navigate complexity with wisdom and integrity while strengthening both people and organizational outcomes.

He holds a SHRM-CP credential, is a certified StrengthsFinder coach and studied human resource management at Colorado Christian University.

After many years in Colorado, CJ and his wife now call Florida home, where they live with their two children. As a family, they enjoy spending time together, playing golf, taking advantage of the outdoors and being actively involved in their local church community. An avid sports fan, CJ enjoys following college football, hockey and professional golf.