Rooted in Des Moines
Hi, I’m
Karter Smith.
Learning &
Growing Together.
I’m a strategy consultant, community contributor, and curious learner. I care about helping people and organizations find their way forward, together.
01 / A little about me
A curious mind.
A personal
commitment.
I’m drawn to the moments when a conversation opens a new door, a group finds common ground, or an idea starts to take shape.
My work at Bâton Global brings me alongside organizations thinking about their future. My community involvement connects me with people working to make Des Moines more welcoming and vibrant. Both reflect what matters to me: learning, building relationships, and contributing to something meaningful.
I came to Drake University to study marketing and management, and served as captain of its Division I golf team. That experience is part of a broader story of growth, teamwork, and finding ways to contribute.
02 / The work I care about
From a good question
to a clearer direction.
At Bâton Global, I help businesses, nonprofits, and public organizations explore what’s next and take practical steps toward it.
Explore my work at BâtonStrategy & direction
Helping people clarify priorities and connect a shared vision with the work ahead.
Leadership & teams
Creating space for reflection, stronger relationships, and thoughtful leadership development.
Research & insight
Listening to stakeholders and making sense of information to inform better decisions.
Ideas in conversation
Making room for
what’s possible.
Whether I’m facilitating a discussion or sharing research, I want people to leave with a clearer perspective and something useful to carry forward.
Start a conversation03 / Beyond the work
A stronger community
starts with
showing up.
I care about a Des Moines where people feel welcome, find connections, and see a future for themselves. Community involvement is one way I put that belief into practice.
My perspective on citizen diplomacyA few connections along the way
Employee & Family Resources
Serving on the board of directors.
Rotary Club of Des Moines
Connecting through service and shared purpose.
DSM Fellowship Program
Learning alongside the 2025–26 cohort.
Local involvement. A wider perspective.
A little more life
There’s more
to the story.
Golf has been part of my life for years, from competing at Drake to caddying for my sister, Kate. I also enjoy time outdoors and discovering what our community has to offer.
KCCI covered our trip to Augusta in 2021.
Read the KCCI story
04 / Perspectives & stories
A few things
worth sharing.
Ideas on the work we do, the communities we build, and the connections that make both better.
Community · Greater Des Moines Partnership
Citizen Diplomacy in Iowa and the Legacy We Continue
How everyday connections can build understanding across borders.
By Karter Smith · April 2025Read storyStrategy · Bâton Global
Purposeless Pursuit: Are Vision Statements Just Empty Words?
Why a meaningful aspiration needs to guide what an organization actually does.
By Karter Smith · October 2024Read articleOctober 2024Addressing Climate Risk in the US Insurance Industry: The Role of Engagement and CollaborationExploring how participation and partnerships can help move an industry forward.
05 / Let’s connect
The next good thing
could start with hello.
A shared interest, an idea for your organization, or a conversation about our community. I’d enjoy connecting.