He was featured among the 20 Influential Leaders Everyone Should Know by Global Business Leaders Magazine in 2021 and listed as one of the 10 Best CEOs to Watch by CIO Bulletin the same year.
ELKHORN, NE, October 17, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Jon A. Smith has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Smith is a distinguished, retired U.S. Navy veteran who subsequently applied his experience for over 30 years to leadership in high performing organizations. Since 2022, he has served as principal and chief executive officer of Veteran Horizons LLC, which he founded that same year, a provider of strategic planning, executive coaching, operating advisory, and partner services for private equity and investment firms. His leadership role entails providing post-transaction support as a board member or operating partner, offering expertise to private equity firms seeking to invest in businesses in the infrastructure, construction/traffic, energy/utility, and geospatial mapping sectors, often identifying areas for improvement post-investment as well as partnering to mentor the leadership team transitioning to PE investment. His expertise in the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI), has moved his client companies to the front of their markets by embracing and adapting strategic decisions to incorporate this technology. He also offers interim executive services and insights into government and municipal arenas.
Before his current role, Mr. Smith served in other leadership positions, including interim chief executive officer at High Star Traffic, chief executive officer and board member at Hydromax USA, and global president of Mobile Pipeline at Hexagon Composites. Earlier positions included vice president and general manager of Smart Energy Gas Americas at Honeywell, plant manager and director at Associated Materials, and various managerial positions at Federal-Mogul, Johnson Electric and Ford Motor Company.
Mr. Smith's career began with military service as an officer in the United States Navy, after graduating from Annapolis, from 1988 to 2009. His strong work ethic, upbringing and family background of military service — including his father's service in World War II — deeply influenced his decision to join the Navy.
A leader among his peers, Mr. Smith has been recognized for his contributions in leading outstanding organizations. He was featured among the 20 Influential Leaders Everyone Should Know by Global Business Leaders Magazine in 2021 and listed as one of the 10 Best CEOs to Watch by CIO Bulletin the same year. Other accolades include being named a Top 100 U.S. Business Leader in 2021 and receiving the Innovation Award from the American Gas Association in 2019.
Mr. Smith graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with the Class of 1988 and selected Naval Aviation as his service assignment. His follow-on education includes a Master of Business from Central Michigan (administration), completing the Executive Leadership Program at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, and a Diploma from the Naval War College. Mr. Smith is also completing work at the MIT Sloan Business School on AI and Business Strategy of the future. He holds several professional certifications, including a certificate in private company governance from the Private Directors Association and the EIT.
Beyond his professional life, Mr. Smith and his wife live in Elkhorn, Nebraska. They have three adult children and two grandchildren.
Along with his family, his civic affiliations are extensive. He has served on the board of the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha for four years and was recently selected as the incoming board chair for 2025-2026. He also sits on the board of Bags of Fun Omaha, an organization dedicated to providing the gift of play for children facing life-threatening illnesses, as an advisor on Governance. Previously, he spent five years on the board, and the last two were as president of the board of directors for Veterans in Energy. Veterans and children remain his calling.
Mr. Smith has several interests and hobbies outside of his professional life. In addition to his love of sports, he is an avid outdoorsman, has completed all levels of Porsche racing schools, and still competes in shooting competitions locally. He is also a designated Executive Bourbon steward from Stave & Thief Society, and Master Chartered Bourbon Taster, teaching classes nationally as well as locally on the history of spirits in the United States. He is also a shareholder of the Green Bay Packers NFL team.
Mr. Smith attributes his success to his ability to identify and empower individuals who share his vision and goals; by trusting them to take charge and fulfill their tasks. He has consistently led teams to great success, witnessing many of his mentees now leading their own companies or progressing into senior roles. His dedication to mentoring others is evident through his active participation in nonprofit activities, which he finds immensely rewarding.
As he moves forward in his career, Mr. Smith aims to create a meaningful influence on energy policy and its implementation in the future. He hopes to leave a lasting impression on individuals and organizations rather than solely focusing on financial accomplishments.
About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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