Add To Calendar
Share Description
We are pleased to welcome Florida Representative David Smith as our guest speaker. Rep. Smith is well-known to many of us because of his 30+ career in the United States Marine Corps and his final assignment serving as Program Manager, Training Systems (PM TRASYS) in Orlando 2009 - 2012. Representative Smith continues his strong support and advocacy for the defense industry and, more specifically, the modeling/simulation/training industry. He offers the perspective of a leader in both the military and industry on current legislative activities that have the potential to significantly impact the industry.
REPRESENTATIVE DAVID SMITH
David Smith was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2018, and re-elected in 2020. He represents much of Seminole County. He is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel and lives in Winter Springs. For the last twelve years he has worked in Central Florida’s Simulation and Training industry.
David’s family moved to Central Florida in 1972. His father was a career U.S. Army officer and Vietnam Veteran. Most of his family still lives in Brevard County.
He attended Texas A&M University on a military scholarship and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Upon graduation in 1982 he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps.
David earned his wings at NAS Pensacola in 1984 and launched his career as a UH-1N helicopter pilot. During his 30 year Marine Corps career he flew more than 4,500 accident-free flight hours and held every Instructor Pilot qualification in the Huey helicopter. Colonel Smith is a designated Weapons and Tactics Instructor. During his career he made six extended deployments overseas or aboard ship, including a combat tour flying in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In 1997, in addition to his flying duties he began managing military procurement contracts. He is a graduate of the Defense Acquisition University and also holds a Master’s degree in Business Management from Florida Institute of Technology. Based on his education, training and experience, Colonel Smith was selected by the U.S. Marine Corps to be designated an Acquisition Professional.
From 2005-2009 he commanded Fleet Readiness Center, East located at MCAS Cherry Point, NC. This aviation repair depot employed over 4,000 people and generated more than $770 million dollars in annual revenue. At the time, FRC East was the largest industrial employer in the state of North Carolina.
From 2009-2012 he led a workforce of 200 military and civilian employees at the Central Florida Research Park. He managed a portfolio of $1.4 billion dollars worth of Simulation and Training projects.
Colonel Smith is the recipient of multiple combat decorations and numerous personal awards for sustained superior performance. During his career he held a TOP SECRET security clearance.
Since leaving active duty in 2012, David has been very active in community affairs. He is a Paul Harris Fellow in the Rotary Club of Winter Springs. He is a member of the Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce, multiple Veterans organizations and many other local non-profit groups. He is a graduate of Leadership Orlando class #78 and Leadership Seminole class #26. David is a member of Cross Life Church in Oviedo.
Representative David Smith is a life-long Republican.
Date & Time
Thu, Jul 21, 2022 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Venue Details
Holiday Inn Orlando East - UCF
1724 North Alafaya TrailOrlando, Florida 32826
