Basil Smikle Biography
Basil Smikle is a prominent political strategist, policy advisor, and educator with over 20 years of experience in U.S. politics. He currently serves as a Lecturer at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, where he teaches on topics such as governance, electoral politics, and public policy. Smikle has also held various advisory and leadership roles in the Democratic Party, including serving as the Executive Director of the New York State Democratic Party from 2015 to 2019.
He is a frequent political commentator on national media outlets like MSNBC, CNN, and NY1, providing insights into electoral strategies and public governance. His career includes working as a senior aide to Hillary Rodham Clinton during her time in the U.S. Senate, where he advised on state-wide policy and politics. Additionally, Smikle is known for his advocacy for urban education reform and social justice initiatives, earning him recognition from leaders such as U.S. Senator Cory Booker and former New York Governor David Paterson.
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 is approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall (187 cm).
Basil Smikle Ethnicity
Basil Smikle is of African-American ethnicity.
Basil Smikle Parents
Basil Smikle was born to Jamaican immigrant parents. His father worked as a textile worker, and his mother was a special education teacher in a public school.
Basil Smikle Educational Background
Basil Smikle holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University, where he began laying the foundation for his extensive career in political strategy and policy advisory. After completing his undergraduate degree, he pursued a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA).
Basil Smikle later earned a PhD in Politics and Education from Columbia University’s Teachers College.
Basil Smikle Career
Basil Smikle’s career spans over two decades, during which he has established himself as a prominent political strategist, policy advisor, educator, and political commentator. His career is deeply rooted in Democratic Party politics, where he has held key roles influencing policy, strategy, and governance at local, state, and national levels. From his early roles in political consulting to becoming a highly regarded figure in New York’s political scene, Smikle’s career reflects a dedication to public service, education reform, and electoral strategy.
Senior Aide to Hillary Rodham Clinton
One of Basil Smikle’s most prominent early roles was serving as a senior aide to U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. During his tenure on her Senate staff, he advised Clinton on statewide policy and politics. His work involved shaping policies that addressed the needs of New Yorkers, especially those in underserved communities. Clinton herself described Smikle as a “key advisor and tremendous public servant,” highlighting his significant contributions to her legislative work.
Executive Director of the New York State Democratic Party (2015-2019)
In 2015, Basil Smikle was appointed by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and former Governor David Paterson to serve as the Executive Director of the New York State Democratic Party. This role made him the second-highest-ranking Democrat in New York State. As Executive Director, Smikle was responsible for managing electoral and fundraising strategies for the Democratic Party across New York. He played a crucial role in recruiting candidates, managing campaigns, and developing grassroots mobilization programs. Under his leadership, Democrats achieved significant victories, including flipping county legislatures and laying the groundwork for Democratic control of the New York State Senate in 2018.
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Contributions to National Democratic Campaigns
Beyond his work in New York, Smikle has had a significant impact on national Democratic campaigns. During the 2016 election cycle, he worked closely with the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to develop strategies for grassroots mobilization. His efforts were crucial in creating a strong Democratic infrastructure that supported candidates across the country. Smikle has also been a sought-after consultant for various high-profile political campaigns. His expertise in crafting winning strategies has been recognized by Democratic leaders, including U.S. Senator Cory Booker, who referred to Smikle as a “much sought-after consultant.”
Political Commentator and Media Presence
In addition to his work as a political strategist, Basil Smikle has become a well-known political commentator. He regularly appears on major news networks such as MSNBC, CNN, and NY1, where he provides insights into U.S. politics, governance, and electoral dynamics. His ability to break down complex political issues into understandable narratives has made him a trusted voice in political analysis. His commentary often focuses on electoral strategies, urban policy, and governance, drawing from his extensive experience in the field.
Academic Career and Teaching
Smikle’s career is not limited to political strategy and media commentary; he is also deeply committed to education. He serves as a lecturer at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) and Teachers College. His academic work focuses on governance, public policy, and electoral politics, offering students real-world insights from his career in politics. He also held the position of Distinguished Lecturer of Politics and Public Policy at the City University of New York’s (CUNY) School of Labor and Urban Studies.
Consultant and Advisor
In addition to his formal roles in politics and education, Basil Smikle has worked as a consultant and advisor to numerous political campaigns, nonprofit organizations, and advocacy groups. His consulting work focuses on electoral strategy, campaign management, and public policy development. Smikle has advised political candidates at local, state, and national levels, helping them navigate the complexities of electoral politics. His expertise in policy advisory has also made him a sought-after figure in nonprofit and advocacy circles, where he works to develop strategies for achieving policy goals related to education, governance, and social justice.
Basil Smikle Awards and Recognitions
Here is a list of awards and recognitions Basil Smikle has received throughout his career:
- Recognition from Governor Andrew Cuomo – Awarded for his commitment to public service and education equity during his tenure as Executive Director of the New York State Democratic Party.
- Recognition from New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli – Acknowledged for his dedication to public service and contributions to the Democratic Party and education reform.
- Named as Part of “Harlem’s New Political Elite” by the L.A. Times – Recognized for his significant contributions to New York’s political landscape and his rising influence in Harlem politics.
- Praise from U.S. Senator Cory Booker – Referred to as a “much sought-after consultant” due to his expertise in political strategy and campaign consulting.
- Commendation from Former Governor David Paterson – Noted as a “national caliber political operative” for his work in shaping Democratic strategies in New York and beyond.
Basil Smikle Net Worth
Basil Smikle has an estimated net worth of around $2 million as of 2024.
Basil Smikle Wife and Children
Basil Smikle was married to Marjorie Fields Harris. The couple tied the knot on May 26, 2001, in a ceremony at St. George Episcopal Church in Manhattan. Marjorie is a successful communications strategist, specializing in brand marketing and crisis communications, and holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from The Columbus School of Law of the Catholic University of America.
Although Basil and Marjorie have since divorced, details regarding their children have been kept private, as they have chosen to maintain their family’s privacy from public scrutiny.
Basil Smikle Social Media Presence
Basil Smikle maintains an active presence on social media, where he engages with political discussions and shares insights from his work as a political strategist and educator. You can follow him on:
- Twitter: @BasilSmiklePhD
- Facebook: Basil Smikle
FAQs
Who is Basil Smikle?
Basil Smikle is an American political strategist, policy advisor, and educator. He has been involved in U.S. politics for over 20 years, with a focus on electoral politics, governance, and public policy analysis.
What is Basil Smikle’s current position?
He is a lecturer at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) and the Director of the Public Policy Program at Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College.
What is Basil Smikle’s role in the Democratic Party?
He served as the Executive Director of the New York State Democratic Party from 2015 to 2019, making him the second-highest-ranking Democrat in New York during that time.
What media outlets does Basil Smikle appear on?
He frequently provides political commentary on major networks such as MSNBC, CNN, and NY1, where he analyzes U.S. political developments and electoral strategies.
Has Basil Smikle worked with prominent political figures?
Yes, he was a senior aide to Hillary Rodham Clinton during her time in the U.S. Senate and has worked with many other prominent Democratic leaders.
