Former Maryland Transportation Secretary James T. Smith Joins UB's Schaefer Center
April 8, 2015
Contact: University Relations
Phone: 410.837.5739
James T. Smith Jr., former secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation and two-term county executive for Baltimore County, will serve as an executive in residence with the University of Baltimore's Schaefer Center for Public Policy. In this contractual role, Smith will promote the work of the center throughout the region, assist in the development of new policy research projects, and serve as a guest lecturer.
Smith served as transportation secretary for nearly two years in the administration of former Gov. Martin O'Malley, starting in July 2013. Prior to that, he served as executive for Baltimore County beginning in 2002 and continuing until 2010. In both of these leadership positions, he managed multi-billion dollar budgets and coordinated large-scale projects that affect Marylanders in every corner of the state.
"Jim Smith has a long and outstanding career in public service," said Kurt L. Schmoke, president of the University of Baltimore. "We are so pleased that he will be joining the Schaefer Center."
Smith's first position in elected office came in 1978, when he was voted on to the Baltimore County Council. Then, in 1985, he was appointed an associate judge of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County. In 2001, Smith resigned as judge to run for county executive for Baltimore County.
The Schaefer Center, located in UB's College of Public Affairs, is a center of excellence for strengthening and professionalizing the delivery of services of public agencies, nonprofits and more. It is named in honor of William Donald Schaefer, former governor and state comptroller of Maryland, mayor of Baltimore and member of its City Council, and a lifelong public servant.
"William Donald Schaefer was a friend and a mentor, who had an amazing influence on people in Baltimore and throughout Maryland," Smith said. "I am honored and excited to join the Schaefer Center and look forward to making my contribution to his legacy."
The Schaefer Center assists organizations by conducting surveys, providing analysis, and applying research to help solve problems and meet the needs of people in Baltimore and beyond. The center hosts the Maryland Certified Management Program, which offers Maryland's leaders a nationally accredited course focused on the applied management skills for meeting 21st century challenges.
Learn more about the Schaefer Center for Public Policy and the College of Public Affairs.
The University of Baltimore is a member of the University System of Maryland and comprises the College of Public Affairs, the Merrick School of Business, the UB School of Law and the Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences.