Jeffery J. Smith

Jeff became a Senior Advisor, Human Capital at Graham Partners in 2021.
In this position he plays a leadership role across a broad array of human capital operations inclusive of organizational development, ascension planning, recruitment and retention, and training.
Jeff brings to this position over 25 years of progressive human resources experience ranging from the factory floor to the C-suite.
Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Human Resources for FedEx Ground, leading a team of over 600 HR professionals in the development and deployment of strategic human resources efforts for over 130,000 employees.
Prior to FedEx Ground, Jeff held senior human resources leadership roles at companies spanning transportation and logistics, metals, and food industries including as SVP of Human Resources and CHRO at RTI International Metals, Inc. (transitioned to a division of ALCOA), Senior Manager of HJ Heinz’s HR Transformation Team at Kraft/Heinz, and Group Employee Relations Manager at AllSteel Inc. (a division of HON Industries).
While the majority of Jeff’s career progression has been in human resources, he has had the opportunity to take on cross-functional assignments in operations, safety, sales, product development, and supply chain management.
Additionally, Jeff currently serves as an Advisory Board Member for the non-profit disaster relief organization, Team Rubicon.
Earlier in his career, Jeff served over 15 years in the United States Army (active and reserve).
He served as an Army Aviator, where he piloted the Cobra Attack and Blackhawk helicopters, as well as a Flight Safety Officer.
He started his military career serving as a member of the 5th Special Forces Group, and was also awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding achievement and service.
Jeff earned his B.A.
from the University of Wisconsin and his M.B.A.
from the University of Iowa.