Before joining SMI as a Senior Advisor, Mr. Smith served as the Director of the Navy’s Small Business Innovation (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. These programs are widely regarded as two of the most successful SBIR/STTR programs within the federal government.
Mr. Smith was responsible for managing various activities aimed at helping small businesses develop, test, and integrate their technologies into products and services used by Naval warfighters. He possesses extensive knowledge of Department of the Navy programs that focus on providing rapid solutions and innovative technical options for the current and future naval force.
In 2013, Mr. Smith was the recipient of the Department of the Oreta B. Stinson Advocacy Award (formerly Small Business Advocate Award), one of the annual Navy Acquisition Excellence Awards. Additionally, Mr. Smith received the prestigious Small Business Technology Council “Champion of Small Business Innovation” award in both 2016 and 2022.
Mr. Smith considers himself lucky to have served as a Marine helicopter pilot for 22 years. He is also extremely proud of his 23 years supporting the Department of the Navy as a staff member for the Chief of Naval Operations, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for financial management and Assistant Secretary Research, Development and Acquisition.