Two-time Queens College Graduate and Former Public School Teacher Brings 16 Years’ Experience as Lead Political Strategist with the UFT 

The City University of New York today announced the appointment of Dermot Smyth, a veteran public affairs strategist, as vice chancellor for government affairs, effective February 2, and pending approval by the CUNY Board of Trustees. A two-time CUNY graduate, he brings more than 16 years of experience in government relations, political strategy and policy advocacy in New York City.  

Smyth joins CUNY from the United Federation of Teachers, where he served since 2009 as political action coordinator and principal liaison to elected officials and agencies at the city, state and federal levels. 

“Dermot Smyth has spent years at the center of New York’s political and civic life and brings an exceptional blend of experience, knowledge and skill that will be invaluable to advancing CUNY’s public mission,” said Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “Dermot has built trusted relationships across government and has a clear-eyed understanding of the forces that shape public education, as well as the way that decisions in Albany and City Hall translate into real outcomes for students. I’m delighted to welcome him to CUNY’s senior leadership team.” 

As vice chancellor for government affairs, Smyth will lead CUNY’s engagement with all levels of government and oversee the University’s advocacy for legislative and budgetary priorities. He will work to advance CUNY priorities including robust public investment in higher education, student success, workforce development and institutional stability across CUNY’s 26 campuses. 

“The City University of New York is a leader not only in providing the highest quality education to its students, but also in reducing the crushing costs that are often associated with higher education,” said Dermot Smyth. “Joining this outstanding educational institution to help build upon this mission is an extremely proud moment in my career.” 

At the UFT, one of the largest local teachers’ unions in the U.S. representing nearly 200,000 members, Smyth led political engagement strategies. He advised executive leadership, coordinated large-scale grassroots mobilization efforts and represented the union in coalitions with labor, community and advocacy organizations. His efforts helped pave the way to significant policy outcomes, including reforms that impacted school funding, class size, teacher pensions and support for school and community-based programs. He also played a key role in vetting candidates for union endorsements. 

Earlier, Smyth worked for nearly a decade in the classroom, teaching social studies at a public intermediate school in Elmhurst, Queens. As a UFT chapter leader, he represented educators in contract enforcement and professional development.  

Smyth was born in New York, but his parents moved back to Ireland months later and raised him there. He later returned and earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in education from CUNY’s Queens College. 

Smyth succeeds Jeffrey Rodus, who retired in December.

– Story courtesy of CUNY Communications