# Lisa Vallee-Smith

> Lisa Michele Vallee-Smith is the co-founder and former CEO of Airfoil Group, the Michigan communications agency launched in 2000 with Janet Tyler. A Wayne State University graduate and 2021 PRSA Detroit Hall of Fame inductee, she handed the CEO role to Keith Donovan in March 2022. Her subsequent work centers on philanthropy and civic leadership in metro Detroit, including The Smith Family Foundation, The War Memorial and The Helm.

- **Role:** Co-founder and President/Director at The Smith Family Foundation; Board Member at The War Memorial
- **Organizations:** Airfoil Group, The Smith Family Foundation, The War Memorial, The Helm at the Boll Life Center, Forgotten Harvest, Wayne State University, Franco Public Relations Group, Detroit Renaissance, Christ Church Grosse Pointe
- **Education:** Bachelor of Arts in communications and journalism/public relations, Wayne State University
- **Known for:** Co-founded Airfoil in 2000 and led it through more than two decades of change., 2021 PRSA Detroit Hall of Fame inductee., 2010 PRSA Detroit Robert Hefty Distinguished Service Award recipient.

## Career timeline

- **1980s** — Worked in public relations at Detroit Renaissance, promoting major Detroit events.
- **1996** — Returned to Franco Public Relations Group and became chief operating officer.
- **1999** — Named president of Franco Public Relations Group.
- **2000** — Co-founded Airfoil with Janet Tyler.
- **2010** — Received PRSA Detroit’s Robert Hefty Distinguished Service Award.
- **2012** — Became co-CEO of Airfoil with Janet Tyler.
- **2014** — Became CEO, president and owner after Tyler’s departure.
- **2018** — Airfoil launched Airfoil Digital.
- **2021** — Inducted into the PRSA Detroit Hall of Fame.
- **2022** — Keith Donovan succeeded her as CEO on March 23; she moved to chairperson.
- **2024** — Joined The Helm’s board. A September/October War Memorial publication described her as having sold her marketing firm and retired from her profession.
- **2025** — An April 1 War Memorial interview featured her board service and Development Committee chair role.

## Achievements

- Co-founded Airfoil in 2000 and led it through more than two decades of change.
- 2021 PRSA Detroit Hall of Fame inductee.
- 2010 PRSA Detroit Robert Hefty Distinguished Service Award recipient.
- 2012 Wayne State University Arts Achievement Award recipient.
- Co-founded The Smith Family Foundation with husband Jeffrey Smith.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — The 2026 Take The Helm Gala sponsor page lists her as a bronze sponsor.
- **2025-04** — The War Memorial published an interview about her board involvement and Development Committee leadership.
- **2024-04** — The Grosse Pointe News reported her election to The Helm’s board for 2024.

## Links

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valleesmith
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/LValleeSmith

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/lisa-vallee-smith
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-24