Dan Smith
Please tell us a little bit about yourself:
After being a regular vacationer in Vail, my wife, Terry, and I retired fulltime to the Valley in 2001 after a 29 year career with Exxon, later ExxonMobil Corporation. While at Exxon, I held a variety of positions in both the Marketing and Public Affairs Departments. Marketing positions included sales and sales management, as well as financial analysis. In Public Affairs, I held various Government Relations positions and at one time managed the Corporation’s Political Action Committee.
In the Vail Valley, I spent 18 years with Vail Mountain Rescue and worked closely with both the ambulance district and the Sheriff’s office. I am currently the Board Chairman of Eagle County Paramedic Services (aka the Ambulance District), as well as Chair of the Eagle County Public Safety Council. Additionally I’m on the Board of Directors of the Vail Valley Salvation Army, spending a lot of time feeding first responders at major incidents.
Why do you want to join the ECPS Board of Directors?
I was first elected to the Board of the ambulance district in 2006, serving until I was term limited in 2014. Once I was eligible, I ran again and was elected to the Board in 2019. I’m seeking another four-year term in the current election. I believe I still have a lot to offer the community by helping the District maintain its current high level of pre-hospital care while keeping it fiscally sound.
During my time with the District, I have helped to consolidate the former two ambulance districts in the county into one with a single lower millage rate. I helped expand the district’s resources in both station locations and number of employees.
What are some of your prior board leadership experiences?
I spent 18 years with Vail Mountain Rescue, six of them as President, and worked closely with both the ambulance district and the Sheriff’s office. I am currently the Board Chairman of Eagle County Paramedic Services, as well as Chair of the Eagle County Public Safety Council. Additionally I am on the Board of Directors of the Vail Valley Salvation Army, spending a lot of time feeding first responders at major incidents.
What skills, connections, resources and expertise do you have to offer to our organization?
My 20 years as a lobbyist have allowed me to help the District with political problems at both the local and state level. In my 22 years in the Valley, my Salvation Army activities have allowed me to work with all five fire departments, all three local police departments, the Sheriff’s Office, the hospital, many of the churches and other non-profits, as well as HAATs. All of these contacts have benefited the District over the years.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Skiing and snowshoeing, sailing, hiking and many different public service activities.