The annual M. Smith Griffith “Smitty” Volunteer award recognizes the Georgia Museum of Art’s most dedicated volunteers. This year’s recipient of the twenty-third Smitty Award is Todd Emily.
Initiated by the staff of the museum, the award honors volunteers who have continuously contributed their time and skills to the museum. Emily has donated his time and efforts to the museum through various methods over the years including service, promotion and support.
The award is named for Smitty Griffith, a vital player in the growth and development of the museum. Griffith moved to Athens from Atlanta in 1961, quickly immersing herself in the community through various outreach projects. She was a founding member of the Friends of the Georgia Museum of Art in 1973 and assisted in the organization of the first Elegant Salute in 1986. Throughout the years, Griffith contributed to the museum’s success in numerous ways, paving the way for future volunteers like Emily to make a mark on the museum.
Emily, senior vice president at Morgan Stanley Athens Branch, has served on the Friends of the Georgia Museum of Art Board and the Board of Advisors with roles as committee head and event host for both organizations. In addition to these roles, he has promoted the museum and supported the staff in numerous ways. He provided early support for Black History Month at the museum before it grew as an event, and has loaned works from his personal collection to the museum for special events and exhibitions.
Additionally, Emily promoted the museum to friends and business contacts, and also had professional photos of himself and his staff made at the museum. Emily also has a personal connection with museum director William U. Eiland, who remarked about their steadfast friendship at the awards ceremony.
Emily was nominated by Brenda Wade, who knew Griffith personally. When nominating Emily, Wade said that although Smitty likely did not know Emily, his treatment of the staff would have met her standards.
By Anika Chaturvedi
