JAMIE M. SMITH

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS / PIO

When faced with challenge, adversity, or difficult people—choose to PECK it: lead with Perspective, Empathy, Communication, and Kindness.

WHAT IS YOUR SINGLE, MOST SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH AND HOW HAVE YOU UTILIZED IT TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT WITHIN AN ORGANIZATIONAL OR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ROLE?

My greatest strength is authentic empathy. From an early age, I learned I cannot control everything, but I can always control how I respond. Most people simply want to be heard, respected, and allowed to contribute their part. That insight shaped my philosophy to PECK my way through life—seeking perspective from lived experience, practicing empathy for myself and others, engaging in honest communication, and leading with kindness, which is at the core of who I am.

HOW HAS AN EXPERIENCE IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE MOTIVATED YOU?

I began working at 14, was emancipated by 16, and put myself through college. Along the way, two guiding principles shaped me: ‘Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime,’ and ‘I am bound to do good to my fellow-creatures and bear with them.’ Those words continue to inspire both my resilience and my commitment to lifting others.

WHAT IS YOUR “SECRET SAUCE”?

My ‘secret sauce’ is the ability to connect the dots, between people, ideas, and opportunities, in ways that feel human. Whether crafting a campaign, advising during a crisis, or even breaking the ice with a selfie, I lead with authenticity and empathy. That balance of strategic thinking and personal connection has been the throughline of my leadership.

DESCRIBE YOUR OWN OUTLOOK ON LIFE IN SIX WORDS.

When faced with choice, PECK it! EVERY DAY I AM THANKFUL FOR the chance to try again, grow, and learn something new.

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