Courtney Smith
Courtney Prideaux Smith is the Principal Deputy Executive Officer at the California Air Resources Board where she helps oversee the agency’s operations, policies, and programs aimed at reducing the state’s climate and air pollution.
Courtney is a recognized leader in California climate and energy policy. She previously served as the Chief Deputy of Programs in the California Department of Conservation’s Geologic Energy Management Division, where she led a team that secured and administered more than $265 million for remediation of defunct oil sites that pose risks to California communities, and developed a rulemaking to address public health concerns associated with oil and gas production near communities.
She also served as the Chief Deputy Director at the California Energy Commission where she led teams responsible for developing and implementing numerous state energy policies and programs, including overseeing California’s landmark Renewables Portfolio Standard, and the first-ever greenhouse gas customer reporting requirement for electric utilities.
Courtney started her state public service career at the California Air Resources Board and also worked for the San Francisco Department of Public Health. Ms. Smith holds a Master of Science in Environmental Health from the University of California, Berkeley.
Courtney’s leadership and accomplishments underscore her unwavering commitment to advancing environmental justice and community well-being.