Douglas Smith
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Despite the heavy load that comes with being a director and practice leader at the law firm of Damon Key Leong Kupchak and Hastert, Douglas Smith still finds time to volunteer with Goodwill Industries of Hawaii. Since he joined the Goodwill board in 1995, Smith has been pivotal in the success of many of the organization’s undertakings. That could be why the Kailua born-and-bred Smith was recently named the 2009 Elsine Katz Volunteer Leader of the Year by Goodwill Industries International.
“My initial reaction (to the award) was: ‘What could I possibly have done to deserve such an honor?’” recalls Smith (seen flanked by Goodwill Industries International chairman Ray Bishop and Goodwill Industries of Hawaii president/CEO Laura Robertson in the above photo).
Two efforts he played a key role in were the creation of the Ohana Career and Learning Center in West Oahu and the formation of a separate 501(c)3 corporation, Goodwill Contract Services Hawaii, which in turn garnered a federal AbilityOne contract to provide barracks management support services for Army Hawaii Soldier Housing.
“In serving as a board member on charitable boards, I have found that you are a hero if you just show up, and I try to show up,” the father of two humbly states. He, along with wife Kelly, also taught high school math in Mbabane, Swaziland with the U.S. Peace Corps from 1984 to ‘86.
“Although many people do not recognize it, one of the most valuable things each of us has, whether rich or poor, is a strong, safe, supportive vibrant community. To the extent you help to make this a reality, you are benefitting yourself and your own family, as well as others.”
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