Deann Smith
Executive Director
United Methodist Open Door

Deann Smith has been the Executive Director of United Methodist Open Door since 2001. Open Door is a social service agency providing food, clothing and shelter/housing to those in need and advocating for a stronger, more inclusive community. She began her relationship with the agency in 1991 through an internship during graduate studies and then served on the Board of Directors for years before becoming the Executive Director. Her passion is working toward a community where all have a place at the collective table. She strives to follow the directive of Micah “to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God.” 

Deann received her bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma City University and her master’s degree from Southern Methodist University. She is also an alum of Leadership Wichita and Advance Kansas.  She has received awards for the Outstanding Fundraising Professional from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Wichita Chapter and The Diversity Leadership Award from Butler Community College, Advance Kansas.

Deann serves on the boards of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coalition, Advance Kansas, Project HOPE and Justice Together.  She is an active member of the Coalition to End Homelessness in Wichita/Sedgwick County. Deann believes strongly in collaboration and partnership.

In her personal time, she likes to spend time with her husband and their two dogs. Their favorite activity is “jeeping” with the dogs in the great mountains of Colorado or other locations where there is no cell phone coverage.