Leigh Truss Smith, MBA, MSW, CPHQ
Leigh Truss Smith is a seasoned healthcare quality and patient safety executive with more than 20 years of experience advancing organizational performance, equity, and well-being across complex healthcare systems. As the Owner and Principal Consultant of Cardinal Development Group LLC, where she has served for the past year, she provides strategic planning, leadership development, and wellness-centered programming to organizations committed to improving care delivery and community health. Leigh is also in the process of writing her first book, reflecting her lifelong passion for service and supporting others through healing and transformation.
Throughout her career, Leigh has been recognized for her compassionate leadership and her ability to design programs that strengthen clinicians, caregivers, and communities. She hosts one-on-one grief support sessions for women who have experienced trauma, trains leaders to recognize the symptoms of grief, secures grant funding, and connects individuals with essential resources. One of her most meaningful achievements includes creating a peer-support program for physicians and nurses to enhance caregiver resilience and emotional well-being. Her work has earned notable recognition, including being named “Over 40 & Fabulous” by Best Self Atlanta Magazine. Leigh attributes much of her professional grounding to the mentorship and inspiration of her mother, Thelma Truss, whose example of strength, service, and compassion shaped her path.
Leigh holds a Master’s in Social Work and a Master’s in Business Administration, along with a certification in Healthcare Quality. She has completed training at the Emory University Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics, deepening her expertise in mindful leadership and compassionate care. She is an active member of the National Council of Negro Women, Top Ladies of Distinction Incorporated, and the American College of Healthcare Executives. Inspired early in life by a family rooted in service and shaped by past experiences that emphasized the importance of giving back, Leigh has built a career dedicated to uplifting others, strengthening organizations, and creating meaningful pathways to healing and hope.
• Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality
• Texas Woman's University - MBA
• Texas Woman's University - MSW
• Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University - BSW
• Donna Rossa Distinguished Service Award
• Rising Quality Star Award
• Top 25 Women in Business
• Wonder Woman Award
• American College for Healthcare Executives
• The Sage Sisterhood Collective, Inc.
• Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.
• National Council of Negro Women, Inc. HQ
• Georgia Piedmont Technical College Foundation
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong foundation of faith, a deep passion for the work I do, and a lifelong commitment to wellness. I approach every opportunity with intention, resilience, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. As a dedicated wellness advocate, I believe that leading others begins with leading myself, and I strive to model balance, discipline, and integrity in all that I do. Paired with hard work and an unwavering drive to grow, these values continue to guide my journey and fuel my ability to serve others with purpose and excellence.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is that every day is a school day. This simple reminder has shaped the way I approach my work, encouraging me to stay curious, embrace continuous learning, and remain open to new perspectives. It reinforces the idea that growth is ongoing and that every experience, big or small, offers an opportunity to expand my skills, deepen my understanding, and strengthen the way I lead.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is securing sustainable funding, which is essential for expanding programs and delivering meaningful impact. At the same time, a major opportunity lies in helping individuals and organizations recognize that mental health must be a true priority. Encouraging this shift requires ongoing education, advocacy, and consistent communication, but it also creates space for innovative approaches and deeper engagement. By addressing both the financial and awareness gaps, we can build stronger, healthier communities and support long-term wellness for the people we serve.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most in both my work and personal life are authenticity, integrity, transparency, and trust. I believe in showing up as my true self, leading with honesty, and communicating openly so that others feel supported and respected. These values help me build meaningful relationships, foster collaboration, and create environments where people feel safe to grow and contribute. Whether I am supporting a team, serving clients, or connecting with my community, I strive to ensure that my actions reflect these principles every day.