James "Jim" Smith

Executive Director, Navy SEAL Foundation
BUD/S Class 125

A retired U.S. Navy Seal, James “Jim” Smith brings 29 years of operational and leadership experience in Special Operations to the Navy SEAL Foundation as its executive director. He graduated Basic Underwater / SEAL (BUD/S) training in December 1983 with class 125.

Some of his unique qualifications include 15 enlisted years promoting through the ranks from seaman to chief petty officer and 14 years of commissioned service promoting from ensign through lieutenant commander. He has achieved and mastered the vast majority of qualifications that personify a SEAL, from operational to technical to linguistical. He is a qualified combatant crew commander and has deployed to the majority of the operational theaters in the capacity of team member and team leader, alone and in teams for long periods of time, often in austere hostile environments. Smith also has acted as an ambassador to Naval Special Warfare with multiple government agencies and several foreign nations. He has led intelligence efforts, operational initiatives and humanitarian assistance.

Throughout his career, he has received numerous honors and awards including the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star both with combat “V” for valor, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, among many citations from other government agencies.

“I have been extremely fortunate to have served alongside warriors elite who may very well be our nation’s next greatest generation. I understand their commitment and have insight into their family sacrifice,” said Smith. “It is an honor to continue serving the Naval Special Warfare community in this unique capacity. The board of directors and our staff pledge to be efficient and agile in our execution while we honor our warriors and support their families.”