Smucker, a 2022 graduate from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary with a master's degree in Christian Formation, has experience in both international and domestic ministries.

Smucker graduated from Goshen College with a degree in social work and worked in various ministries, including participation in PULSE (Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience). While in Pittsburgh, she attended Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

In 2007, Smucker returned to her birth country, Costa Rica, where she assisted with short-term mission groups, and taught English. In 2015, she returned to the U.S. to accept a position as a church relations representative for Mission Network. In 2019, she began leading Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS). In 2021, Smucker was named senior executive for the Ventures division of Mission Network.

The Board of Directors appointed Marisa Smucker as the executive director of Mennonite Mission Network in 2024.