Gerald B. Smith

Gerald B. Smith is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Smith, Graham & Co., a global investment management firm specializing in managing domestic, non-dollar and absolute return fixed income portfolio strategies for institutional clients. Smith, Graham & Co. manages more than $2 billion in assets and is considered to be one of the oldest and largest minority-owned money management firms in the nation.

A graduate of Texas Southern University with a BBA in Finance, Mr. Smith has a long history of giving back to the community through his service with numerous civic and community organizations. Current affiliations include: the Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO) where he serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee; Founding Chairman of the Houston Museum of African American Culture; the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Executive Committee; Chair of the Texas Southern University Foundation.

In addition to his company and community work, Mr. Smith dedicates time to corporate service. He currently is a member of: the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Investment Oversight Committee for The Charles Schwab Family of Funds; the Board of Directors, Audit Committee and Governance and Nominating Committee for Cooper Industries; Board of Directors and Chairman of the Audit Committee ONEOK Partners, M.L.P.

He was recently inducted into the 2006 National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame for achievements in the field of Business. In 2005, the National Association of Securities Professionals awarded him the Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. Award for the financial service professional that best exemplifies entrepreneurial achievement, community service and high moral standards. Other honors include: United Way Volunteer of the Year, the National Black MBA’s Leadership Empowerment Award, YMCA Annual Tribute to Leadership Award, the Jewish Community Center’s Children’s Scholarship Ball Honoree, and the Community Partner’s “Father of the Year” Award.

Mr. Smith is a patron of the arts and enjoys collecting authentic museum-quality African artifacts, and is an avid golfer. He and his wife, Anita, have three sons – Marcus, Jackson and Jordan and one daughter – Joy.