Michael Smith is the Director of International Trade at the World Trade Center Los Angeles (WTCLA).

WTCLA is a nonprofit organization that supports two-way international trade and investment opportunities between Los Angeles companies and the world. Michael leads WTCLA’s foreign investor client portfolio, executes its projects and programs, and oversees the organization’s daily operations.

 

Past Experience

Before the World Trade Center Los Angeles, Michael was the Research and Content Manager for Merit Harbor Capital, a boutique investment bank in Princeton, New Jersey. Michael also previously served as a researcher for the National Institute of Justice’s follow-on study of a novel probation program that shaped state policy in Hawaii and Washington, which later received a $4 million commitment from the Obama Administration’s Office of National Drug Control Policy. He also worked on new family planning technologies at the Population Council in Washington D.C. Upon finishing his undergraduate degree, Michael resided in South Korea for two years teaching English and enhancing his Korean language and cultural skills.

Michael received his Bachelor of Arts in International Studies at Pepperdine University while running NCAA Division in cross country and track. He also received his Master of Public Policy with honors from the same institution.