Danielle Schmutz
Chief of Staff

Danielle leads our organizational operations and focuses on internal strategy, people, and growth at Surgo. Her training in macro-level social work has influenced her lens on leading organizations and communities and gives her an interconnected and person-centered approach to her work.

She is passionate about investing in data-driven solutions that have a concrete impact on people and communities. She is committed to maximizing the organizational effectiveness of growing organizations and teams by ensuring the right people, environment, and policies are in place for success.

Prior to joining Surgo, Danielle was the Director of Programs & Operations at Beacon House, an education and youth development organization in Northeast DC. There, she led organizational and programmatic strategy for over 5 years. Throughout her career, Danielle has also worked in operations, training, and program management roles with Michigan Campus Compact, the Cancer Support Community, Parkridge Community Center, the Michigan Community Scholars Program, and she is an AmeriCorps alum.

Danielle hails from Michigan, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Child Development from Central Michigan University. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan where she focused on Management of Human Services and Social Policy and Evaluation.