Dalouge Smith grew up surrounded by the arts. Now he has made it his mission to provide the same kind of environment to as many young people as possible.

“I started attending rehearsals of shows my mother was in when I was 8 years old,” he says. His mother is Veronica Murphy, a member of Lamb’s Players Theatre. “At 9, I made my professional debut. So I grew up working on the stage and in back of it.”

Today, the 39-year-old Smith is the president and CEO of the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory. He oversees fund-raising, marketing and daily operations of musical instruction for 400 students ages 8 to 25.

Since joining the symphony in 2004, he has increased income 20 percent and individual contributions 150 percent. In his previous position as associate director/director of administration for Mainly Mozart, he increased the annual budget 32 percent and ticket revenue by 37 percent.

“Joining the youth symphony has been an exciting opportunity for my skills and to help so many young people,” he says. “Children are the best hope for our future.”

He particularly enjoys working with students and their families. “The students are so remarkable and interesting,” says Smith, who spends his free time with his wife and 11-year-old son. “They come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, but they all have a consistent passion and drive — and not just for the music.”

The same kind of passion and drive can be seen in Smith. “I want everyone to have access to the arts and a level of understanding for what the arts offer,” he says.