Doug Smith, a Jensen Beach resident, has worked diligently over the last 17 years in the community with various non-profit organizations. Doug started preparing for the office he holds, Martin County Commissioner, District 1, many years ago. He prepared himself by means of his extensive community service and involvement in county boards. Doug also graduated in the first Martin County Citizens Academy Resource Education Series course (CARES) and was the first non-sitting commissioner to complete the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) Certification Program for County Commissioners. Doug felt it was important to be prepared for the office he sought in 2000, rather than asking taxpayers to send him later for “on-the-job training.” Subsequently, Commissioner Smith completed the County Leadership Institute program offered by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Services and the Local Government Leadership program.

 

Doug was raised in Massachusetts. His career has included management positions with Wheaton Glass, Smith Valve and he was facilities coordinator for the Elliot Museum. Doug currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners and on boards for many other organizations as detailed in Community Involvement section of this website.

 

Doug’s work week, as county commissioner, is typically a minimum of 6 days and an average of 60+ hours a week. If you want to watch him at work, you can see him on MCTV (channel 20), as Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners. Their meetings begin at 9AM most Tuesdays. He believes that residents deserve a commissioner who will work for you fulltime and more. He believes that in-depth knowledge of Martin County’s specific needs must come from extensive community involvement. This is not a time for part-time commissioners or candidates with lots of ideas and no record of community service to validate their commitment.