A former brand and media leader at leading international corporations including Burger King and Coco-Cola, Gillian Smith now draws on her business acumen to serve the nonprofit sector. As chief marketing officer of City Year, she assists the nonprofit in providing valuable mentorship opportunities for youth who might otherwise drop out of school. Gillian Smith has secured numerous partnerships that have helped to advance the nonprofit’s mission, including a recent collaboration with Jer’s Chocolates.

1. GILLIAN SMITH FORGES
CITY YEAR
PARTNERSHIP WITH
JER'S CHOCOLATES
Gillian Smith

2. Introduction
 A former brand and media leader at leading international
corporations including Burger King and Coco-Cola, Gillian
Smith now draws on her business acumen to serve the
nonprofit sector. As chief marketing officer of City Year, she
assists the nonprofit in providing valuable mentorship
opportunities for youth who might otherwise drop out of
school. Gillian Smith has secured numerous partnerships that
have helped to advance the nonprofit’s mission, including a
recent collaboration with Jer’s Chocolates.
Headquartered in Southern California, Jer’s Chocolates has
shared the personal recipes of Jerry Swain with confection-
lovers across the United States since its establishment in
2004. A former technology professional, Mr. Swain frequently
impressed his coworkers with his proprietary desserts,
hosting annual chocolate ball parties to raise funds for local
food banks.

3. Jer's Chocolates
 Although his sweets now carry the lofty
commendation of 11 International Taste Awards, Jerry
Swain has continued his commitment to community
service through the Jer’s Cares Initiative and
relationships with nonprofits such as City Year. He
became acquainted with the organization when he
and Gillian Smith both received recognition as
American Airlines Road Warriors. The nonprofit’s
mission resonated with Mr. Swain, who has dedicated
several years of service to Southern California
Schools. He made the commitment to donate a
portion of his profits to the educational nonprofit via a
special promo code available to consumers
throughout March and April of 2013, making the most
of an opportunity to turn a professional accolade into a
benefit for the wider community.