Colonel Jeff Smitherman, USMC (Retired)
A native of East Texas, Jeff commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in 1991 after attending Texas A&M University and graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Economics.
Over 30 years Col. Smitherman completed multiple tours in the operating forces including deployments to Africa and the Middle East, serving with batteries, battalions, Regiments, Marine Expeditionary Unit, Divisions, and a Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). With those units he participated in operations in Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
As a Marine artillery officer, Col. Smitherman commanded a reinforced battalion, 1st Battalion, 10th Marines during its deployment to Afghanistan in 2010 where they conducted operations in support of the Marine forces in country. His batteries provided cannon and rocket fires, and conducted infantry and counter-insurgency operations throughout Helmand Province from November through May 2011.
Outside of the operating forces, Col. Smitherman was the national director of operations for Marine Corps Recruiting Command. He also commanded the 6th Marine Corps District from 2015-2018 and was responsible for officer, enlisted, and reserve recruiting across the Southeastern United States including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, shipping over 19,000 recruits to Parris Island.
At his final duty station, Col. Smitherman served as the Senior Marine Representative at the United States Naval Academy and Academic Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, ranked as the #6 liberal arts college in the United States and #1 public school by US News and World Report.
He is a graduate with honors from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and a graduate of the War College, holding Masters’ degrees in both Military and Strategic Studies. In 2013 he attended MIT’s National Security Seminar XXI.
His awards include the Legion of Merit (gold star in lieu of third award), Bronze Star (gold star in lieu of second award), Meritorious Service Medal, and Ancient Order of Saint Barbara.
In transition from the military he pursued an interest in real estate through the securities industry and finding ways to serve property holders and the non-profit community. Jeff is the founder and managing partner of Trusted Capital Partners in Weatherford, Texas. He is an active member of his family’s farm in East Texas, and serves on the Board of Directors for Patrol Base Abbate, a non-profit supporting the veteran community. Jeff is also a supporting member of Tun Tavern Fellowship, a faith-based organization for Marine officers and other Christian organizations.
Jeff is married to the former Nagelle Genovese of Fredericksburg, Virginia. They have three adult sons.
