Candidate: Jeffrey R. Smith

Jeff Smith graduated from the University of Central Florida in 1978 with a B.S. in Finance. Then, he worked in public accounting in Orlando while going to school at night to earn his CPA certification. After moving to Vero Beach in 1984, Jeff worked with KPMG International CPA firm before starting his own accounting firm, Jeffrey R. Smith & Associates. In 1992, Jeff Smith went to work for the Indian River County Clerk of Court\'s office and was promoted to the Assistant Finance Director. As the Clerk\'s Assistant Finance Director, Jeff was responsible for the investment of county funds, financial preparation and reporting, grant accounting, and analysis of internal controls. After six years in the Clerk\'s Office, Jeff changed hats and took a new position in the Indian River County Utilities Department. In Jeff\'s new role as the Assistant Utilities Director, he oversaw all financial areas of the department including rate analysis, accounts receivable, billing and collection. In addition to the financial reporting, Jeff managed the customer service department. In the fall of 2000, Indian River County elected Charlie Sembler as the new Tax Collector. During the reorganization of the Tax Collector\'s office, Mr. Sembler asked Jeff to become the Assistant Tax Collector. In his new role as Assistant Tax Collector, Jeff was responsible for overseeing the entire operation of the Tax Collector’s office. Specifically, Jeff was accountable for Property Tax Billing and Collection, DMV operations, customer service, and budgetary reporting. In 2008, the Tax Collector chose to not seek re-election. At the same time the Chief Deputy Clerk of the Court retired and Mr. Barton asked Jeff to become the new Chief Deputy. Jeff has volunteered his time to several organizations in our community. He is Past President of the Exchange Club of Indian River and is a past treasurer of the Indian River Habitat for Humanity. Because of his love of sports, Jeff volunteered as a baseball umpire for Little League Baseball in Indian River County and served as President of the Fighting Indians Band Boosters at Vero Beach High School. Finally, Jeff Smith is the outgoing President of the Florida Government Finance Officers Association--a 2700 member organization of Florida\'s public finance professionals.