Staff

Dane Smith
President

Dane Smith was named president of Growth & Justice in April 2007 after concluding a 30-year career as a journalist for the Star Tribune and the Pioneer Press, where he developed a solid reputation reporting and writing about state, local and federal government and politics. He succeeds founding executive director Joel Kramer, who is currently a member of the board of directors.

Tax fairness and the issues surrounding government's proper role in society were among Dane’s favorite issues as a reporter, and he has particular expertise in these areas. He understands the importance of smart public-sector investment that can help all Minnesotans improve their lives and strengthen the state’s economy.

Dane is co-author of the book, “Professor Wellstone Goes to Washington: The Inside Story of a Grassroots U.S. Senate Campaign.” In 1989-90, Dane was the recipient of the John S. Knight Fellowship for Professional Journalists, providing a mid-career sabbatical and a year of study at Stanford University. Dane holds a B.A. in journalism from the University of St. Thomas and an A.A. degree from Inver Hills Community College, where he also has served as an adjunct faculty member.