Passionate about creating lasting change, Rusty Smith brings a wealth of experience in leadership and program management and a deep commitment to promoting fairness and integrity in sports to the Partnership for Clean Competition. As the Head of Research Programs, Rusty leads the Partnership at a pivotal moment for the international sports anti-doping movement. With a background spanning over 14 years in non-profit, governmental, and natural resource sectors, Rusty has a unique blend of building high-impact coalitions, leading research initiatives, and engaging diverse stakeholders.

Rusty previously served as Executive Director of the Texas Produced Water Consortium where he led cutting-edge research initiatives around water treatment and reuse. His ability to unite academia, industry experts, and policymakers to solve pressing environmental challenges has given him the skills needed to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects — a perfect fit for driving forward the PCC’s research agenda, strengthening existing relationships, and developing new partnerships around the world.

Along with his work in research leadership, Rusty held a variety of roles at the intersection of public policy, economic development, and natural resources. He led government affairs for a major state trade association, managed large-scale community outreach and philanthropic programs for an energy development company, and supported multi-million-dollar economic development projects in Texas. He also spent several years in the Texas Legislature, where he developed natural resource and agriculture policy and most notably served as the Committee Director for the Texas Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs. These experiences sharpened his ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, foster cross-sector partnerships, and communicate effectively with audiences from every background.