COO Chris Smith recognized by SmartCEO magazine for exceptional organizational leadership
Washington, DC – April 21, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — Washington SmartCEO has recognized Chris Smith, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), as one of 40 SmartCXO award honorees. The SmartCXO Awards celebrate Greater Washington’s finest management executives.
“Each SmartCXO winner undoubtedly represents the best of what Greater Washington has to offer: an extraordinary work ethic, passionate leadership and success-driven management strategy,” said Jaime Nespor-Park, group publisher of Washington SmartCEO magazine. “We are privileged to share in their success.”
“I’m honored to receive the SmartCXO award,” said Smith. “USGBC’s rapid global growth has allowed me to broaden my skills and experience, which has been both personally and professionally rewarding. The green building industry is the most exciting place to be right now, with unlimited potential to transform our world. I bring that potential and possibility to work with me everyday as we propel USGBC in to the future.”
Smith joined USGBC in June of 2005 to help the organization meet the challenges created by rapid growth. Under Smith’s leadership, the organization has quadrupled it revenues, tripled its membership and cemented its role as a global leader in the green building marketplace. Smith provides organizational leadership and management of finance, human resources, operations and technology.
Specializing in change management for most of his career, Smith brings significant experience in both turnarounds and rapid growth situations. Prior to joining USGBC, Smith facilitated the sale of Washington, D.C.-based architecture firm Ai, where he had served as Chief Financial Officer, COO and equity partner for seven years. His experience also includes similar senior management responsibilities at a commercial real estate services firm and a systems integration company. Smith began his career in banking, specializing in retail banking and commercial lending
A native of the area, Smith been active in the Washington, D.C. community for over 20 years, serving on the boards of numerous civic and charitable organizations. He has served as a director and treasurer of both St. Luke’s House and the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce, as well as president of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rotary Club. Smith represents USGBC on the Board of Directors of the Canada Green Building Council and on UL’s Management Systems Advisory Council. He is a graduate of Duke University, and earned a Master of Science in Organization Development from American University. In addition to being profiled in the April 2011 issue of Washington SmartCEO, Smith and fellow SmartCXO winners will be recognized at the Washington SmartCEO SmartCXO Awards hosted by the Washington Redskins on April 26, 2011, at FedEx Field. More than 400 local executives and guests will attend to celebrate their achievements.
To learn more about the SmartCXO awards and for a complete list of winners, visit www.smartceo.com.
U.S. Green Building Council
The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. With a community comprising 78 local affiliates, nearly 16,000 member companies and organizations, and more than 162,000 LEED Professional Credential holders, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to contribute $554 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product from 2009-2013. USGBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students. Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs.
LEED
The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. Over 40,000 projects are currently participating in the commercial and institutional LEED rating systems, comprising nearly 8 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 117 countries. In addition, nearly 11,000 homes have been certified under the LEED for Homes rating system, with nearly 38,000 more homes registered. By using less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.
For more information, visit www.usgbc.org.
Contact:
Jennifer Easton
Communications Associate, USGBC
202.595.3957
Follow us on Twitter at @USGBC
