Basil Smikle Wikipedia, Biography
Basil Smikle is a seasoned American political strategist, policy advisor, and educator. He has had a prominent career, working in political consulting and public service for over two decades. Notably, he served as the Executive Director of the New York State Democratic Party from 2015 to 2017, where he played a key role in orchestrating campaigns and helping the party regain control of the State Senate.
Smikle has also worked closely with prominent figures such as Hillary Clinton, serving as a senior aide during her Senate campaign, and contributed to the Democratic National Committee’s efforts during the 2016 election cycle.
In addition to his political career, Smikle is an academic, lecturing on international and public affairs at Columbia University and other institutions. He holds a Ph.D. in Politics and Education from Columbia, as well as a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the same institution, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Cornell University. He is also a regular commentator on political matters for media outlets like CNN and MSNBC.
Basil Smikle Age
Basil Smikle was born on January 12, 1972, which makes him 52 years old as of 2024.
Basil Smikle Height
Basil Smikle stands at a height of approximately 6 feet 2 inches (187 cm).
Basil Smikle Nationality/Ethnicity
Basil Smikle is American by nationality. He belongs to African-Jamaican-American ethnicity, as he was raised by Jamaican immigrant parents in the Bronx, New York.
Basil Smikle Educational Background
Basil Smikle has a strong academic background. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Cornell University, a prestigious Ivy League institution. Afterward, he pursued further studies at Columbia University, where he obtained a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA).
Smikle then continued his education at Columbia University’s Teachers College, where he completed a Ph.D. in Politics and Education.
Basil Smikle Spouse
Basil Smikle was previously married to Marjorie Fields Harris, who is known for her leadership role in a social liberty organization. The couple married on May 26, 2001, at the St. George Episcopal Church in Manhattan, but their marriage ended in divorce after several years.
Basil Smikle Children
Details regarding Basil Smikle’s children have not been disclosed.
Basil Smikle Net Worth
Basil Smikle’s estimated net worth is around $2 million as of 2024. His wealth has been accumulated through his long career as a political strategist, policy advisor, and educator, alongside his media appearances and roles in various political campaigns and organizations.
Basil Smikle Career
Basil Smikle is an accomplished political strategist, educator, and media commentator with over 20 years of experience in shaping electoral politics, public policy, and nonprofit management. His career trajectory spans across various high-profile positions in both the public and private sectors, with significant roles in political campaigns, government advisory, and academic leadership. Throughout his career, Smikle has been a prominent voice in American politics, with a focus on urban policy, education, and the intersection of governance and political power.
Leadership in New York State Democratic Party
Basil Smikle’s most notable political role came in 2015 when he was appointed as the Executive Director of the New York State Democratic Party. In this capacity, he played a key role in transforming the political landscape of the state. He worked closely with community leaders, elected officials, and the Democratic National Committee to implement electoral and fundraising strategies. His leadership contributed to flipping county legislatures and several county-wide seats, ultimately helping to restore Democratic control of the New York State Senate in 2018. Smikle’s efforts were also integral in flipping three Congressional seats during the 2016 election cycle, positioning him as a crucial figure in New York’s political sphere. His work was recognized by political leaders, earning him awards from Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli for his commitment to public service and education equity.
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Senuior Political Advisor to Hillary Clinton
Before taking o the role at the New York State Democratic Party, Basil Smikle had already made his mark as a senior political strategist. As a senior aide to Senator Hillary Clinton during her time in the U.S. Senate, Smikle advised Clinton on state-wide policy matters and political strategy. His role as a trusted advisor to Clinton was highlighted by her description of him as a “key advisor and tremendous public servant.” Smikle’s work during this period helped shape the Senator’s engagement with various policy issues, especially those affecting New York.
Contributions to Electoral Campaigns and Grassroots Mobilization
In addition to his leadership within the New York State Democratic Party, Smikle has been a key figure in numerous electoral campaigns across the country. He has worked as a consultant and advisor to political candidates, helping them craft strategies for winning elections through grassroots mobilization, effective fundraising, and media outreach. His political acumen has made him a sought-after consultant, with former U.S. Senator Cory Booker describing him as “a much sought-after consultant.”
Media and Public Speaking Career
Basil Smikle’s expertise extends beyond political consulting to media analysis, where he is a familiar face on major news networks. His insights on electoral politics, governance, and urban education policy are frequently featured on MSNBC, CNN, and NY1, among other outlets. As a commentator, Smikle provides in-depth analysis of political developments, helping the public understand the complexities of American politics and policy.
Academic Leadership and Teaching
Smikle’s passion for public service and education has also led him to a distinguished academic career. He has been a lecturer at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) since 2006, teaching courses on politics, public policy, and governance. His role at SIPA is a natural extension of his practical experience in politics, as he bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world applications. Smikle’s influence in the academic world has expanded further with his appointment as the Director of Columbia University’s M.S. in Nonprofit Management program in 2024.
Basil Smikle Twitter Presence
Basil Smikle is active on Twitter, where he shares insights related to politics, public policy, and social issues. You can find him on Twitter under the handle @BasilSmiklePhD.
FAQs
Who is Basil Smikle?
Basil Smikle is an American political strategist, policy advisor, and educator with over 20 years of experience in the public and political sectors. He has worked with local, national, and international leaders, offering strategic guidance on electoral campaigns, policy decisions, and public administration.
What is Basil Smikle’s role in politics?
Basil Smikle has served in various key political positions, including as the Executive Director of the New York State Democratic Party. He has also worked as a senior aide to Hillary Clinton during her Senate tenure and has advised numerous political campaigns and organizations.
What is Basil Smikle’s current occupation?
Currently, Smikle is a Distinguished Lecturer and Director of the Public Policy Program at the Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College. He also teaches at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.
What are some of Basil Smikle’s achievements in public service?
Smikle played a pivotal role in the Democratic Party’s success in New York, helping flip county legislatures and Congressional seats. He was also recognized by New York state leaders for his work on public service and education equity.
Has Basil Smikle appeared in the media?
Yes, he frequently appears on platforms like MSNBC, CNN, and NY1, providing expert analysis on politics, governance, and public policy.
Is Basil Smikle involved in any other professional organizations?
Basil Smikle is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and has been involved in various professional and political circles throughout his career.
