Next in the series is Corey Smith, a retired investment broker.
Background & Career: After growing up in Drexel Hill, Smith attended and graduated from Swarthmore College with a degree in economics in 1965. He then completed his graduate degree in finance at Harvard Business School in 1967.
Smith then moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he worked for the Coca-Cola Co. for sixteen years, attaining the position of VP and Treasurer. He returned to Philadelphia in 1984 to work as an investment broker for families and individuals. He recently retired from that work.
Music Involvement: Smith took piano lessons as a child, and greatly enjoyed it. He renewed his piano lessons in his retirement, and tries to spend an hour each day at the keyboard. He enjoys playing Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata.”
It’s opera, though, that Smith enjoys the most. “Music expresses emotions and a story in beautiful form. Opera takes that to great lengths – with voice, instruments, and drama – all in one space.”
How did he learn about The Presser Foundation?: In 2005, Smith was invited by Board Chair Edith Reinhardt to join the Presser Board and Finance Committee. He knew Edith from the Academy of Vocal Arts where they were both board members. He has been involved in Committee work for more than 20 years and been on the Board for 19.
Role at the Foundation: Capital Support Committee Chair, Finance Committee
What he enjoys & favorite memory of being on the Board: Smith has liked learning about music organizations, both small and large ones, and seeing how they fit into the music landscape in Philadelphia. “I enjoy being a part of an organization that’s doing something to strengthen music and strengthen organizations.”
He specifically remembers a visit to the Paul Robeson House & Museum in West Philadelphia a few years ago. The house served as the bass-baritone’s home for the final 10 years of his life. The organization operating the house asked for a transformational grant from the Foundation’s Capital Support Committee so that it could tear down the walls between the two townhomes that it owns in order to combine space and make music for a greater number of people in the neighborhood. The grant was given, and Smith noted his pride in being a part of the organization (the Foundation) that made the gift.
Impact of the Foundation: “It goes beyond the Foundation’s dollars/grants alone – I believe that the support has been significant and transformational over the years to many organizations.”
Smith is also pleased to see that The Presser Foundation has become a leader in the music and funder community over the past several years.
Future of the Foundation: “I see the Foundation being a provider for financial assistance for musical organizations while increasingly playing a more proactive leadership and educational role in the community. I think the Foundation is and can serve as a representative for music organizations in this city.”
What does he do in his free time?: He enjoys playing piano, collecting stamps (he has over 20 specialized albums), playing golf, working out, traveling, and attending many theater and musical presentations in Philadelphia.
