Jeff Schmidt

Meet the Senior Director of Strategy and Communications. Jeff Schmidt joined Stanford in 2022 to help evolve and manage VPSA’s strategy, lead and support key initiatives, drive overall communications for the division, and improve the reputation of VPSA with various stakeholders.

More About Jeff

Previously, he was the chief executive officer of Ignited, a national education nonprofit focused on advanced workforce development for underserved students. During his twenty-five year career in the industry, he has held a variety of business, communications, and operational roles in the U.S., Switzerland, and Ireland and has led global teams across the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.

Jeff also actively serves the local community and residents. He’s the Chair of the Environmental Quality Commission for the City of Menlo Park and helps the commission make recommendations to the City Council on policy matters related to environmental protection and sustainability. He’s on the Steering Committee for the Environmental and Climate Change Literacy Project and is a member of 350 Menlo Park, a local climate policy and advocacy group. He’s on the Board of Directors for Canopy, a regional nonprofit that promotes urban and community forestry initiatives across San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. He was also recently elected to serve on the City Council in Menlo Park and will be sworn in for his four-year term in January.