For nearly three decades, Stephanie Smith has worked where policy and people intersect.

As president and CEO of the Alabama Policy Institute and executive director of Alabama Policy Action, Smith has helped shape conversations on education, taxes, religious liberty, and limited government. While much of her work happens behind the scenes, she believes the success of good public policy is ultimately measured by how it affects Alabama families.

That commitment to serving the state through leadership and public policy is one of the reasons YHN Media Group selected Smith as a member of its 2026 Women of Impact class. The annual recognition honors women whose leadership, service, and professional accomplishments are making a lasting difference across Alabama.

A voice in the movement

For Smith, the path to public policy began long before she held leadership positions or helped shape legislation. It started in a college classroom during one of the defining political moments of the 1990s.

“I was in undergrad while the Contract with America was being debated,” she said. “Speaker Newt Gingrich’s approach to issues and ability to clearly articulate conservative principles in the public sphere made me want to have a voice in the movement.”

That decision launched a career that has included serving as director of governmental affairs for Regions Financial Corporation, president of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, assistant director and deputy director of finance for the State of Alabama and leading the grassroots advocacy organization Thatcher Coalition before taking the helm of the Alabama Policy Institute. She also serves on the State Ballot Commission, the Board of Directors of Big Oak Ranch, and the advisory boards of the Classical Learning Test and Mission Increase – AL.

The victory that stands above the rest

Of all the milestones in her career, Smith says one stands above the rest.

“I’m most proud of being a part of bringing universal school choice to Alabama schoolchildren and families,” Smith said. “Playing an integral role in giving thousands of children an opportunity for better educational opportunities and putting parents, regardless of their zip code, back in their rightful place of making decisions for the education of their children.”

The impact of that work became tangible during a meeting with community leaders.

“When I was describing the CHOOSE Act to a group of business and nonprofit leaders, one of them realized that, because of our work, they could put over a million dollars back into the ministry he manages,” she recalled. “Knowing that policy victories we are able to accomplish helps Alabama children and those who need it the most have better lives is the most fulfilling part of my job.”

More than legislation

For Smith, public policy is about more than passing legislation. It is about representing the people whose voices are often absent from the conversation.

“We are often the only spokespersons for Alabama taxpayers at the state level. We also have the task of advocating for Alabama families. To us, those missions perfectly align as we seek to make Alabama a small government and freedom-loving state.”

Leaders who shaped her

While her career has centered on public policy, Smith says the leaders who shaped her were those who challenged her to grow.

She credits “incredible bosses” early in her career with setting high expectations and continues to draw inspiration from former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher while relying on a trusted mentor and constant study of state and national issues.

Family as the greatest investment

Outside the office, Smith’s greatest investment has always been her family. The wife of Dalton Smith and mother of seven says balancing family and career required intentional choices, especially while her children were growing up.

“Having a supportive family who also values the work that I do has been a key component to being successful as a mother of seven who also leads a statewide organization,” she said. “I took time to focus on my family when my children were younger and they needed me most; now they support me in our attempt to positively impact others.”

Majoring on the majors

That perspective shapes the advice she offers young women beginning their own leadership journeys.

“Make sure you’re majoring on the majors and don’t try to accomplish everything at once,” Smith said. “Lord willing, your life will be long and there will be time to reach your goals if you put first things first.”

She hopes her own life demonstrates that professional success and family are not competing priorities.

“I hope that my children and the women in my life see that making sacrifices for your family doesn’t mean that you can’t also do important work for others,” she said. “Life is about choices, but very few of them are binary. Making time to have and raise a family gave me the needed wisdom and understanding I needed to be a successful leader. Having a large family isn’t an impediment at all; it is a gift.”

As she reflects on her career, Smith says she has never forgotten the women who encouraged her along the way.

“I have a distinct memory of each woman who chose to encourage and lift me up in my personal and professional journey — and even some who didn’t,” she said. “I am hopeful that I will take every opportunity to be a help and encouragement for other women who want to make an impact in our state and their communities.”

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].