William "Eric" Smith
Assistant Administrator, Logistics Management Directorate
Eric Smith joined FEMA in April 2007, as the Assistant Administrator for the new Logistics Management Directorate. During the past two years Mr. Smith has matured the organization into "an efficient, transparent and flexible logistics system for procurement and delivery of goods and services necessary for an effective and timely response to major disasters, acts of terrorism and other emergencies and for real-time visibility of items at each point throughout the logistics system." Under Mr. Smith, LMD has developed tools to strengthen States logistics capabilities, established a fiscally responsible and effective pre-positioning plan for the most vulnerable areas, strengthened the relationships among primary Federal logistics partners and is currently building more productive relationships with the private sector. He came to FEMA after retiring from the Army after 24 years of service including serving as the senior executive assistant to the Director, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Prior to that position he served as staff director, Defense Logistics Agency Operations Center, where he spearheaded the most challenging joint logistics operations, planning, exercise, experimentation, logistics transformation initiative analysis, and domestic and foreign disaster support missions DLA has ever experienced.
As the DLA Senior Executive Assistant, he was responsible for all facets of executive level support and tasks for the nation's largest combat support agency; a $34 billion Joint Service activity with a worldwide workforce of more than 21,000 civilian, active duty and reserve joint service personnel.
His experience includes key logistics management and operations positions from strategic to end-user level in support of Department of Defense (DOD), joint service, and Department of State multinational peacekeeping forces.
Mr. Smith's military awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2nd award); Meritorious Service Medal (Six OLC); Joint Service Commendation Medal (2nd award); Army Commendation Medal; Joint Service Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal (2nd award); Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Multinational Forces and Observers Medal (2nd award); Parachutist Badge; and Army Staff Badge.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, a Master of Business Administration from Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, and a Masters of Science Degree in National Security Strategy from the U.S. National War College in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Smith was raised in Columbus, Georgia. He is married to the former Soizik Howard from Tacoma, Washington; they have two sons, Collin and Brennan.
Last Modified: Friday, 28-Aug-2009 12:07:10 EDT