Robert F Smith
Robert Frederick Smith, born on December 1, 1962, is a prominent American billionaire businessman and philanthropist renowned for his impactful contributions to the corporate and social spheres. As the founder, chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, a leading private equity firm, Smith has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the investment industry. Smith is currently the wealthiest black American, with a net worth of $4.4 billion, according to Forbes.
Smith’s journey to success began with academic excellence, culminating in a chemical engineering degree from Cornell University and an MBA from Columbia Business School. His formidable intellect and strategic acumen paved the way for a distinguished career in finance, where he honed his skills as an investment banker at the prestigious Goldman Sachs.
Beyond his remarkable achievements in the corporate realm, Smith’s philanthropic endeavors span a wide range of causes and organizations. In 2014, he established the Fund II Foundation, directing investments towards institutions like Cornell University, the National Park Foundation, and Susan G. Komen, while also supporting initiatives to preserve African-American history, promote music education, and protect the environment. Notably, in 2015, Smith sponsored the college education of all returned Boko Haram girls. Over the years, he has made substantial donations to various institutions, including a $50 million gift to Cornell University in 2016 and a $15 million contribution to Columbia Business School in 2017. Smith’s generosity extends to healthcare as well, with significant donations to cancer research and treatment organizations, including the City of Hope Gala and the Prostate Cancer Foundation. In education, he made headlines in 2019 by announcing during his commencement speech at Morehouse College that he would pay off the entire student loan debt of the graduating class, totaling $34 million. Smith’s commitment to philanthropy is further evidenced by his involvement in initiatives like The Student Freedom Initiative, aimed at supporting students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). He continues to make substantial contributions to various causes, including healthcare, education, and cultural preservation, leaving a lasting impact on society.
Smith’s contributions extend beyond his philanthropic efforts to include significant roles in various organizations. He has served as the chairman of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights and sits on the board of overseers of Columbia Business School. Additionally, Smith is a member of the Cornell Engineering College Council and the Cornell University Tech Board. Since 2008, he has been a Trustee of the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco, actively supporting youth development initiatives.
In 2016, Smith made history by becoming the board chairman of Carnegie Hall, marking the first time an African-American held this position. Prior to this role, he had been a board member since 2013, demonstrating his dedication to the institution. Furthermore, since 2018, Smith has served as a board member of the Louis Armstrong House Museum, contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage.
Robert Frederick Smith’s legacy as a visionary leader and compassionate philanthropist continues to inspire individuals worldwide, serving as a beacon of hope and empowerment in both the business world and the community at large.
Awards and Honors
- Ripple of Hope Award from the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights (2010)
- Honorary doctorate from Huston-Tillotson University (2014)
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering was named after him by Cornell University (2016)
- Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Chairman’s Award (2016)
- Honorary doctorate from the University of Denver (2017)
- Ebony’s John H. Johnson Award (2017)
- Chronicle of Philanthropy’s “Philanthropy 50” (2017)
- International Medical Corps Humanitarian of the Year Award (2018)
- Candle in Business and Philanthropy Award from Morehouse College (2018)
- Honorary doctorate at Morehouse College (2019)
- Texas Business Hall of Fame Class of 2019 Legend (2019)
- Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy (2019)
- United Negro College Fund President’s Award (2019)
- Time 100 – Time’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world (2020)
- Distinguished Alumni Award from Cornell University (2020)
- Award of Excellence from the National Association of Investment Companies
- Honorary doctorate of International Affairs from American University’s School of International Service