Title: Senior Director
Company: Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity
Location: Durham, North Carolina, United States
Deanna Townsend-Smith, EdD, senior director at Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in education.
Dr. Townsend-Smith has established a distinguished career in education, marked by her dedication to equity and opportunity for all students. As the senior director of the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity since 2022, she has been instrumental in expanding the center’s programs from four to twenty, focusing on school integration and addressing educational inequities. Dr. Townsend-Smith’s role involves conducting presentations across North Carolina and collaborating with her staff to implement initiatives that help children thrive academically.
Beyond her current consulting position, Dr. Townsend-Smith has been an independent business owner with Rodan + Fields since 2017, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit. Her earlier tenure at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction began in 2013 as an education consultant, where she was later promoted to assistant director in 2016. During this time, Dr. Townsend-Smith also held the role of executive director for policy and operations at the North Carolina State Board of Education from 2014 to 2022.
Dr. Townsend-Smith’s career in education began with teaching roles at National Heritage Academies from 2001 to 2011, where she progressed from teacher to administrator, testing coordinator, new teacher coach and curriculum coordinator. She became an assistant principal at Maureen Joy Charter School, a K-8 public charter school in Durham, North Carolina, where she worked between 2011 and 2013.
Dr. Townsend-Smith’s academic achievements have been pivotal in her career success. She completed a Bachelor of Science in parks and recreation management with a concentration in recreational therapy from North Carolina Central University in 1997, followed by a Master of Education in elementary education in 2003 and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership with a focus on curriculum and instruction in 2014 from the University of Phoenix. Dr. Townsend-Smith’s teaching certification from the state of North Carolina further underscores her qualifications.
Beyond her formal education, Dr. Townsend-Smith’s commitment to professional development is evident through her memberships in the National Staff Development Council and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. She has also been actively involved in civic organizations. She serves as an advisory member on a local credit union board and as a board member for the Flood Group community organization and Profound Ladies, which supports teachers of color. Dr. Townsend-Smith’s philanthropic efforts include contributions to North Carolina Central University and various children’s charities.
Dr. Townsend-Smith is an accomplished author, having published “My Fertility Journey: Expect, Position and Endure” in 2017. Her book addresses her struggles with infertility for over a decade and offers practical advice on how to deal with and cope with infertility.
In light of her success, Dr. Townsend-Smith was recognized by the North Carolina State Board of Education for her contributions. She also received a Leadership in Education Award from her church and recently earned a Legacy of Excellence Award from Teach for America in 2025.
Dr. Townsend-Smith is committed to leaving a legacy that inspires transformation from oppression and plans to continue expanding the Dudley Flood Center’s impact by sharing Dr. Dudley Flood’s story and opening a museum dedicated to his legacy.
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