A native and resident of Long Beach, Smith is chairman and president of Alamitos Land Company. She recently stepped down as chairman of Bixby Land Company after 10 years, but continues to serve on its board. After graduating from Scripps College and earning a teaching credential from the Claremont Graduate School, Smith taught elementary school for nine years before joining the family businesses. She was honored with the Scripps College Distinguished Alumnae award for her service to the college and community. A trustee of the college for more than 25 years, she chaired the board from 1996 to 2004. In Long Beach she is active in the Rancho Los Cerritos Foundation, American Red Cross and the Long Beach Community Foundation, which she has chaired since its inception in 1996. She also sits on the board of International City Bank.