Economic Development

Associate Vice President for Research and Economic Development 
Bowling Green State University

He is charged with developing relationships—both internally and externally—that will benefit BGSU, the region and the state with overall economic enhancement.

Prior to his appointment, Smith had retired after 25 years in the health insurance business where he was most recently the Senior Vice President of Sky Insurance. He consulted with large consortiums of school districts, counties, other public sector entities and hospitals. Before joining Sky, Smith was the Director of Sales for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio (now Medical Mutual of Ohio).

Smith had been the County Administrator of Wood County, Ohio before he entered the insurance industry. That experience gave him public sector contacts throughout the state and beyond which he was able to parlay into business opportunities and friendships.

Earning two degrees from Bowling Green State University, Smith has remained in the local community and has been involved in numerous civic and professional organizations. Among other things, he has served on the Penta Career Center Board and continues to be an elected member of the Governing Board of the Wood County Educational Service Center. He has been awarded numerous recognitions from BGSU including the Honorus Causa distinction from Omicron Delta Kappa and the Accomplished Graduate Award.