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Alex Smith

Biography

Alex Smith serves as Senior Vice President for University Operations & External Affairs at the University of West Florida, where he provides executive leadership across a broad portfolio of university operations, governmental and external relations, institutional strategy, and presidential initiatives.

In this role, Smith advises the President and helps advance UWF’s strategic priorities, master plan, and long-term institutional objectives. His portfolio includes the Office of the President, Board of Trustees Office, Government Relations, External Affairs, University Marketing and Communications, Office of Military Services, Facilities, Procurement, Emergency Management, Environmental Health and Safety, and University Police. He also works closely with University Advancement and UWF Athletics to strengthen coordination and support institution-wide priorities.

Smith leads UWF’s governmental relations and advocacy efforts at the federal, state, and local levels, helping shape legislative priorities, secure institutional investments, and strengthen relationships with policymakers and public-sector partners. He also supports the Board of Trustees and University-affiliated boards, oversees major presidential initiatives, and works across the University to advance complex projects involving operations, capital planning, external affairs, and institutional growth.

A central focus of Smith’s work is expanding UWF’s presence and influence throughout Northwest Florida and beyond. He cultivates partnerships with businesses, nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, military installations, and other educational institutions to create opportunities for collaboration, workforce development, internships, research, and regional economic growth.

Prior to joining UWF, Smith served as Special Assistant to the Mayor of Pensacola from November 2022 to March 2025. In that role, he managed more than $75 million in appropriations and grants and served as the City’s legislative and constituent liaison. He also supported major economic development projects, land-use and financing agreements, and coordination with governmental agencies, developers, and community partners.

Earlier in his career, Smith held campaign leadership roles, including serving as Campaign Manager for D.C. Reeves’s historic mayoral victory in Pensacola. He also held legislative and governmental positions at the state and municipal levels, including experience with the Executive Office of the Governor of Florida.

Smith brings experience spanning executive leadership, governmental relations, public affairs, municipal governance, campaign strategy, stakeholder engagement, organizational operations, and strategic partnerships. His work is focused on strengthening institutions, building meaningful relationships, and advancing initiatives that create long-term value for the University and the communities it serves.

Smith earned his Bachelor of Science in Political Science, cum laude, from Florida State University and is currently pursuing his MBA at Florida State University, with an expected graduation in December 2026.