Jerome Smith is a mentor, and as a Co-Director manages the VMS Outreach Project which provides services to other academic centers and organizations interested in adopting the VMS model as part of their entrepreneurship efforts. Jerome is a seasoned senior executive with over 37 years of leadership experience in the chemical, polymer, medical and imaging industries, and a proven track record as a turnaround specialist at the senior executive level. He transformed four global DuPont businesses from loss or weak earnings positions to become strong, profitable and competitive units. He is recognized as a leader in major national and local non-profit organizations and has led strategic planning and development efforts for large and diverse groups. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas and an MBA from the University of Delaware. Jerome was selected as an Honorary Membership Award of the MIT Alumni Association at the 2024 Annual Volunteer Awards Ceremony as recognition for his unwavering service to the MIT community and Outreach.