Ayanna Smith
Chief Financial Officer
Detroit Jazz Festival
Ayanna Smith is a non-profit professional with over thirteen years’ experience in public education and the performing arts arenas. Earning ten consecutive annual unmodified audits, she ensures the soundness of an organizations’ financial and operational arm with her strong work ethic, keen attention to detail, and a comprehensive understanding of financial and accounting practices. With simple yet sophisticated planning techniques, she has successfully implemented processes and procedures for organizations of various sizes, contributing to the success of numerous entrepreneurial efforts, start-ups and organization’s undergoing restructuring.
In 2012, Ayanna became an independent consultant to several small businesses and thus joined the Detroit Jazz Festival as a permanent fixture in the finance office. As Chief Financial Officer, she assists the COO on all strategic and tactical matters as they relate to budget management, cost benefit analysis, cash forecasting and the organizations’ revenue model.
Currently she serves on the boards of two organizations; Wayne State University School of Business Administration Alumni Association Board (Vice President of Member Engagement) and LaShelle’s School of Dance Foundation (Treasurer).
Ayanna studied at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. In her free time she enjoys salsa dancing, playing tennis, bike riding and watching movies.
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