Carleetha Smith serves as CEO of Common Ground Health Clinic. A graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana and Tulane University School of Public Health, Carleetha is a firm believer in using data to drive decision-making. In her decade of experience in FQHC operations, she has held several positions, such as Director of Operations, Project Director, and Health IT Director.
The decimation of the health care infrastructure in New Orleans made her realize her true passion, health care administration. She switched gears from pursing a medical degree and obtained a master’s of public health. Through hard work and determination, she rose quickly through the ranks of clinic operations, turning around several New Orleans-area community health centers and bringing them to financial sustainability.