# James P. Smith

> James P. Smith, also known as Jim Smith, is the founder of Smith Dawson & Andrews, now Smith Garson. A former Carter administration intergovernmental and public affairs official, he founded the firm in 1981 and became chairman following its January 2025 transition. He continues as chief strategist, with work spanning transportation, trade, energy and business development.

- **Role:** Chairman of the Board and chief strategist at Smith Garson
- **Organizations:** Smith Garson (formerly Smith Dawson & Andrews), Carter administration, Colorado State University (alumnus), Home Star Financial Group (former director), Home Star Bank (former director), Smith Development Corporation (partner), Gonzaga College High School (past board chair), Barker Foundation (past board president), De Sales School of Theology (trustee service)
- **Education:** Colorado State University
- **Known for:** Founded and led Smith Dawson & Andrews for more than four decades., Held intergovernmental and public affairs positions in the Carter administration., Served in board leadership roles at Gonzaga College High School and the Barker Foundation.

## Career timeline

- **Before 1981** — After college, worked for the Governor of Illinois; subsequently held intergovernmental and public affairs roles in the Carter White House and the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Commerce.
- **1981** — Founded Smith Dawson & Andrews.
- **2022** — Briefed the Kaua‘i County Council with colleagues on its federal agenda and funding developments on August 17.
- **2024** — Participated remotely in a September 25 Kaua‘i County Council briefing with Kierstin Stradford-Patterson.
- **2025** — The firm transitioned to Smith Garson in January; Smith became Chairman of the Board and continues as chief strategist.

## Achievements

- Founded and led Smith Dawson & Andrews for more than four decades.
- Held intergovernmental and public affairs positions in the Carter administration.
- Served in board leadership roles at Gonzaga College High School and the Barker Foundation.

## Latest updates

- **2025-01** — Smith Dawson & Andrews transitioned to Smith Garson; Smith is now chairman and remains chief strategist.

## Links

- Website: https://www.smithgarson.com/team/james-p-smith/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-smith-3aa49/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/james-p-smith
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-22