Isabelle Smith works behind the scenes as the Director of Finance and Administration for the Office of Health Informatics and Data Sciences (I2DB). She and her team oversee and manage the finances for Becker Medical Library at WashU Medicine along with general I2DB finances and the education programs associated with I2DB.
“We are a crucial part in how research, instruction and administration functions in our department,” Smith said. “Our staff, faculty and students depend on us for our money management expertise in helping them realize their goals and guide them through obstacles.”
Smith, who has been employed with WashU since 2017, is also an alum. She appreciates the opportunities to continue learning new things, both for her role and in topics that interest her.
“there are so many opportunities at WashU — whether you are an expert in finance and accounting, marketing, project management, facilities, student affairs, community outreach… the list goes on,” Smith said. “You can find a career here.”
Overseeing a team of three, Smith leans into living her values to be successful in motivating and engaging her team. Through transparency, empathy and development, Smith has found that creating a safe and respectful space to work helps everyone learn individually and from one another.
“I definitely fall into the management trope of ‘leading with empathy’,” Smith said. “If someone makes a mistake, I make them aware, but I never tie mistakes to self-worth. It’s always an issue that can be learned from, and I think my team feels comfortable coming to me with problems because mistakes are a part of life and shouldn’t be deemed as failure.”
Her team appreciates her leadership style and the thoughtfulness she brings to work each day.
“Isabelle is a fantastic part of Becker Library and I2,” Katherine Cadigan, financial analyst said. “She is always open and willing to help anyone or with any event. She leads with kindness and careful consideration for those around her, and she is an excellent leader.”
Outside of her career at WashU, Smith enjoys visiting the Missouri Botanical Gardens, hiking with friends in the St. Louis region and singing in the WashU Concert Choir. She recommends Weldon Springs’ Lewis and Clark trails. She is also an avid reader as a proud Library employee.