“I applied for an accounts payable job [with FHA] in 1987, when my then-current employer was shutting down its Marin operation. The rest is history,” she says. For the record, she was promoted to the top spot in 2008. Charged with managing the organization, Smith says, “I’m very organized and fairly quick at decisions.” Those skills must also come into play at home, where she and her husband juggle the demands of work and life with two children, ages 9 and 4.
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
I go to bed early and get up early.
If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
My beautiful little cocker spaniel, Heather, who passed away four years ago. She was the most loving animal and always happy to see me.
Is there a motto that sums up your management style?
“You can ask my staff.”
What fuels you?
I love this business.
What room in your house best reflects your personality?
The living room. I love kicking back in my free time.
What time do you usually wake up in the morning? Do you need an alarm?
I’m up between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m., and I don’t need an alarm.
What were the most important values emphasized in your home as a child?
Honesty and integrity.
What’s the hobby that takes up most of your time outside of work?
My son plays basketball with the North Bay Basketball Academy (NBBA), and my daughter does ballet at Marin Dance Theater (MDT) and dances at Love2Dance. I love watching them both participate in the activities they love. My daughter was recently in “Sophie and the Enchanted Toy Shop” at the Marin Civic Center; she played Henrietta and a box bunny. As a family, we love to go to Disneyland several times a year.
What’s your favorite holiday of the year and why?
Halloween. It’s all about the kids—no gifts, no expectations, just fun.
What’s your favorite piece of art?
My boss, Brennie Brackett, is an artist. She has the most amazing pieces of art.
What’s in your garage?
My husband’s race car.
When do your find yourself singing? What’s the song?
I love a lot of different music and never know what I might be signing. It depends on the moment.
Describe a proud personal moment.
My proudest life moment is my children: Watching them grow and change is amazing.
What’s your most prized or sentimental possession?
Family. My husband Brian and I met in high school, attended the prom together and have been happily married since 1989. Our children are our lives. Seeing them succeed in the things they love is amazing. My son is a good student and loves school. He has great friends that share some of his same passions. My daughter starts kindergarten next fall and is really looking forward to it. I’m the youngest of seven. I talk to my mom and my sisters every single day—they’re definitely my best buddies.
