June Spotlight: Larry Smith, President & CEO, Father's and Families Center
June 2026
With more than 20 years of experience building strategic relationships across Indianapolis communities, Larry Smith has spent his career showing up for people who matter most and who systems too often overlook.
That work has found a natural home at Fathers and Families Center in Indianapolis, where Larry serves as president and CEO. He credits much of his leadership approach to the mentors who helped shape him along the way, from teachers and coaches to family members and colleagues. Each influence contributed to what he describes as an adaptive leadership style, one rooted in asking thoughtful questions, empowering others and recognizing that leadership is not about having all of the answers.
“Adaptive leadership is the ability to apply a leadership style that is appropriate for a given situation. This style encourages leaders to ask the right questions rather than pretending always to know the right answers.”
Today in America, one in three children lives without their biological father at home. The impact can be far-reaching, contributing to higher rates of school dropout, homelessness, addiction and incarceration. Larry understands that most fathers want to be present and engaged in their children’s lives, but many are navigating challenges that make it difficult to find a path forward.
That is where Fathers and Families Center steps in.
Through life skills development, education, counseling, job readiness training and employment support, the organization provides men with the tools they need to build stable futures. Larry has a unique ability to see the person behind the statistics and lead with the belief that investing in fathers strengthens families and entire communities.
“Meaningful leadership today is the same as it’s always been. The issue is what one is willing to sacrifice on behalf of others.”
That belief guides his work every day. Larry knows that when a man is given the tools to succeed, the benefits extend far beyond the individual to the children, families and communities that depend on him. He is equally committed to developing future leaders, encouraging team members to pursue new opportunities, expand their experiences and grow into leadership roles of their own.
“I want to help them on their leadership journey irrespective of whether they continue to work for me or even in the same organization.”
Through Fathers and Families Center, Larry continues to help fathers build stronger futures for themselves and for Indianapolis.
That work is now entering a new chapter with the launch of the Vision for the Future Campaign, the largest fundraising effort in the organization’s history. Each month, as many as 100 men are placed on a waiting list for services, highlighting both the need for support and the demand for the organization’s programs.
The $5.5 million campaign aims to double Fathers and Families Center’s operational capacity, increasing the number of men served annually from 1,225 to more than 2,400. The organization has already secured $3.9 million toward that goal with support from the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation and United Way of Central Indiana.
To learn more about Fathers and Families Center and the Vision for the Future Campaign, here.
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