Smith oversees the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), the federal law enforcement and security arm of the U.S. Department of State. He is only the third DSS special agent to be appointed to the position of Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security and the first Black special agent to serve in that role.    

During his 30-plus years of domestic and foreign service with DSS, the Assistant Secretary has served as a regional security officer at U.S. embassies in Tokyo, Japan, and Rangoon, Burma, and was stationed in Cairo, Egypt, for two tours of duty. Additionally, his work has taken him to many countries to engage with diplomats and officials on matters of dignitary protection, passport and visa fraud, threat analysis, cybersecurity, antiterrorism training and security technology.

Smith is often heard saying that his formative years in Weldon have served him well throughout his personal and professional life. "Wherever I have gone and whatever I've done, I've taken pride in demonstrating that I was raised and taught well." His life of service is a model for young people today.    

Smith is the son of the late Oliver R. Smith and Dorothy Virginia Smith, the brother of Weldon Commissioner Rev. John W. Smith, Sr., and brother of the late Pamela Smith Whitaker of Rocky Mount. He received a BA in political science from North Carolina State University where, in 2018, he was recognized as a distinguished alumnus. After graduation, he served as a police officer in Raleigh until 1987 when he joined DSS as a special agent.

Smith's visit to his native Weldon is co-sponsored by the newly formed town revitalization non-profit Weldon In Action and Tau Beta Beta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He is Weldon In Action's second guest speaker in its Weldon Heritage Speaker Series and is speaking during Black History Month.

For more information contact James "Coach Tank" Williams at coachtank@hotmail.com or (252) 578-4066.