BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – After serving 23 years in the financial industry, Lewis Burks joins Smith Scholarship Foundation as its chief financial officer. Burks is bringing with him a mission to create ways for students to connect with professionals who can guide them along their professional journey.
“Over the span of my 23-year experience in the financial industry I’ve seen first hand the impact making the right relationships can have on a person’s life. I now view it as my responsibility to provide our scholars with those same opportunities,” says Burks. Burks has worked in leadership roles at Regions Financial Corporation, First Commercial Bank and for companies that specialize in corporate real estate. His professional experiences brings him full circle – positioning him to now give back to students, just as others did for him when he was a college student.
In doing so, Burks plans to assemble a diverse coalition of internship opportunities that can provide some Smith’s scholars with unpaid internships along with professional exposure while providing more senior scholars with paid internships and potential career opportunities. “According to a 2009 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 35 percent of employers’ full-time, entry-level college hires came from their internship programs. We want to assist in equipping our scholars with the best opportunity for success and leadership,” says Burks.
Burks believes summer employment is very helpful financially to young college students, and thinks students can unlock more benefits by interning in their chosen field of study. He plans to facilitate professional relationships with students through targeted internships aimed at building lasting relationships with decision makers.
“Smith Scholarship Foundation, the largest private scholarship foundation in Alabama, provides access to college to students who show an ability to overcome adversity and hardship. “Our scholars are resilient. And, resiliency is the one characteristic needed to flourish in a tough world, and in demanding business environments,” says Burks.
“Lewis is a perfect fit for our organization. He has the experience needed to be an effective chief financial officer. He also has the heart needed to change the lives of our scholars,” says Ahrian Dudley, executive director, Smith Scholarship Foundation.
