Darryl Smith '88

Central Region Trustee

Graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy changed my life. The Naval Academy provided me with a great education, developed my character, and connected me with an amazing group of lifelong friends and colleagues. I want to serve on the Board of Trustees to continue giving back to the institution that shaped me so profoundly.

The Alumni Association is changing rapidly, as younger graduates, with different priorities and preferred methods of engagement, are rightfully driving change within the Association. I believe my engagement in mentoring the younger generations, and helping my peers transition into new opportunities, can bring a valuable voice to the Board of Trustees about how our organization can serve all our Alumni.

My love of country and interest in leading Marines led me to the Naval Academy and ultimately the Corps. I served six years in various command and staff roles.

After leaving the Marines, I began a career in business, earning an MBA from the Wharton School and working as a strategy consultant for Accenture. I moved into private equity and entrepreneurship, where I have bought and/or led nearly a dozen companies.

My deep appreciation for how the Academy prepared me professionally, and how much my shipmates have poured into my career, have kept me connected to the Naval Academy and motivated me to help alums and applicants.

I am a Board member of the North Texas Chapter and a Trustee on the Alumni Association Athletic and Scholarship Programs Board. I have helped several dozen graduates transition from military to civilian life, get into business school and switch civilian careers. I have counseled countless Academy applicants and their parents about the admissions process and life at the Academy.

Almost a decade ago, I helped start a local service academy graduate quarterly business networking session. Finally, a few classmates and I started a monthly Zoom meeting during the pandemic to raise morale. We continued to conduct these meetings as a way of building class unity and helping each other (and our children) gain access to business and educational opportunities.