Stephen H. Smith
President

Steve Smith has been a familiar face in the halls of government for more than 30 years. During that time, he has earned a reputation for strength in strategy development and execution, conflict/crisis management, win-win negotiations and decision making under pressure. As others have come and gone, his experience and presence is there each day fighting for his clients’ interests in an effective professional manner.

Accomplished Government Relations Consultant
In 1995, Steve launched Capitol Strategies, Inc. With more than two decades of success under his belt as president and legislative representative for one the SC’s largest trade associations, Steve has constructed and implemented successful lobbying strategies for a number of highly successful companies and organizations such as Bank of America, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, TriCounty Technical College, the Arts Partnership of Greater Spartanburg, BB&T, CIGNA Healthcare and numerous others.

Advocate for a Major Healthcare Issue
While continuing to work on behalf of his CSI clients, Steve also served as national chairman of the board for the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the world’s largest voluntary health organization representing 18 million people with diabetes. He served as an officer at every level in ADA’s nationwide structure and was the architect of the association’s nationwide advocacy program today. For his efforts, he was the recipient of the Dr. Charles Best Medal (discover of insulin), and the prestigious Wendell Mayes Medal for Distinguished Service in the Cause of Diabetes presented for lifetime achievement.

Financial Association CEO and Chief Lobbyist
Steve began his career in 1974 with the SC League of Savings Institutions, the state’s trade association for community banks, savings banks, and savings & loan associations. He went on to serve as president and CEO of the organization from 1979 until 1995. In his role as CEO, Steve served as chief lobbyist for the business with both state and federal government officials. He had an unsurpassed level of success including the passage of 748 items of legislation with only 4 “defeats.” When he decided to leave the association to launch his own governmental relations firm, Steve’s board of directors presented him with a distinguished service award for his remarkable efforts.

Steve is married to Sharon Floyd Smith, and between them they have three children and three grandchildren. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science.