Jared Smith is President and CEO of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation. Smith brings more than 20 years of economic development and business experience across local and state government to the role. Most recently, he served as Director of Economic Development and Tourism for the City of Henderson in Nevada, part of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), serving more than two million residents. Previously, as the Chief Operating Officer at the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, he generated $17.2 billion in economic impact over six years, the highest results in the organization’s history.

Over the past decade, Smith has helped drive the diversification of Nevada’s tourism-based regional economy, contributing to the creation of more than 20,000 jobs. His proven track record in business attraction, retention, expansion, and workforce development includes partnerships with hundreds of companies across both established and high-growth industry sectors.

He also served on the Board of Directors for Workforce Connections and as Honorary Commander in the Civic Leader program at Nellis Air Force Base. Smith is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), an active member of the International Economic Development Council and named one of the 2022 Top 50 Economic Developers in North America by Consultant Connect. “Jared’s extensive experience and success in leading business development and strategy are proven assets that will serve to strengthen our City’s economic diversification efforts,” said Henderson City Manager and CEO Richard Derrick.

Smith earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from Southeastern Louisiana University, a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University, and is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute from the University of Oklahoma.

Smith earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from Southeastern Louisiana University, a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University, and is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute from the University of Oklahoma.