September 10, 2026 12:15 pm

General Leslie Smith

Guest

Lieutenant General Leslie C. Smith, US Army (retired) currently serves as the Vice President for Leadership and Education, Association of the United States Army, a visiting leadership professor at Parker College of Business - Georgia Southern University, a director on several corporate boards and the CEO for LV Smith Corporate Group, LLC. LTG Smith received his commission from Georgia Southern University (GSU) in 1983 as a Field Artillery Officer. In 1985, he graduated from GSU with a bachelor's degree in accounting and as a distinguished military graduate and branched as a Chemical Officer. 

LTG Smith's final assignment on active duty from 2018 to 2021 was as The Inspector General, Office of the Secretary of the Army, the first Chemical officer to serve in that position. As a general officer his assignments included the 25th Chief of Chemical and Commandant of the United States Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School, Commanding General  20th Support Command (CBRNE) (responsible for leading Explosive Ordnance Disposal and CBRN Soldiers in 15 states and 3 - 5 countries, the Commanding General of the United States Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood (the first chemical officer to do so), and as Deputy the Inspector General. 

As the Vice President for leadership and Education for AUSA, Les spends his time building coalitions across all components of the Army, the AUSA’s 122 chapters, with industry and academia.  He enables these coalitions to build trust and advocacy not only for Soldiers, but also Civilians and industry that supports a strong national defense.  He is currently part of a tri-author team publishing the book titled:  “All the Difference: Six Leadership Actions to Bridge Perspectives, Strengthen Teams, and Create Value” (Summer 2026).

LTG Smith holds a Master of Science degree in Administration from Central Michigan University and a Master of Arts degree in national security strategy from the National Defense University.

He is married to Vanedra, they have two grown daughters, one the CEO of Tay Smith Studio advertising and branding firm and the other an Army OB/GYN Resident.



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