Widely known throughout his profession, C. Mark Smith has been managing successful economic development organizations at the federal, state and local level, in locations as diverse as Washington and Alabama, since 1970. These included an eight-state regional office of the federal Economic Development Administration, a statewide economic development association, a large, public-private countrywide economic development council, and both large and small city economic development offices. This "hands-on" experience is a significant advantage to organizations looking for effective solutions to their economic needs.

Beyond his organizational management experience, C. Mark Smith has a lifetime of networking and professional contacts at his disposal.   Since 1982, he has served as either an officer or board member of national and state economic development organizations, including the American Economic Development Council, the National Council for Urban Economic Development, the International Economic Development Council, the Economic Development Executives of Washington and the Washington Economic Development Association.

Over his career, C. Mark Smith has been personally involved in some of the most exciting and interesting economic development projects of the time, from developing Pacific Coast ports to Native American Tourism; from helping to attract Mercedes-Benz to Alabama to paving the way for new wineries in Washington state.    In recognition of these accomplishments, the International Economic Development Council awarded him its coveted Fellow Member designation in 2004 and its Honorary Life Member designation in 2005.   He received a special Lifetime Achievement Award from Washington Governor Gary Locke in November 2004 and was named the first Board Member Emeritus and Honorary Life Member of the Washington Economic Development Association in 2007.