Cincinnati, OH
United States
Prior to his retirement in 1997, Dr. Smith was the Chief Executive Officer of NAR for six years. His tenure concluded his total of thirty years of key roles in the administration of REALTOR® organizations. Beginning in 1967, Dr. Smith was Executive Officer of the Cincinnati Board of REALTORS®, before moving on to a similar post with the Cleveland Area Board of REALTORS® in 1970, serving there until 1978. For thirteen plus years immediately preceding his post with the National Association, Dr. Smith was Executive Officer of the Ohio Association of REALTORS®.
As NAR CEO, the National Association recorded substantial growth in membership. Dr. Smith oversaw a dramatic staff downsizing, established sound financial basing, and reduced the committee structure, while encouraging greater member participation. He also helped bring about the birth of NAR’s first Intranet site for members, and was the driving force behind NAR’s entry into the realm of Buyer Representation through its acquisition of REBAC.
A leader in the world of Association Management, Dr. Smith served on the Board of Directors of the American Society of Association Executives from 1979 to 1981, and was its Vice Chairman in 1982. He is a recipient of ASAE’s Key Award, the highest recognition given by the society, and was Chairperson of ASAE’s Research and Development Foundation. Dr. Smith also earned a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration.