“Under Greg’s leadership the City of Anaheim has seen its convention, sports and entertainment venues grow and develop into the world class operations we see today,” said Morgan.  “Greg’s vision for venue development and operations has been more than anyone can measure.  His influence has always been positive, and he has kept the City’s best interests at the forefront of all he has done.  He will be missed, but on behalf of the City, I wish him all the best.”

“Anaheim is an international destination which hosts millions of visitors annually, in addition to the 350,000 residents who live here,” said Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle.  “With Greg’s guidance, both guests and residents have enjoyed a first class experience, whether attending a sporting event, a concert or a convention.  He has served this city well.”

Under Smith’s direction, the City’s convention, sports and entertainment venues experienced growth, renovation and expansion.  The Convention Center grew to become the largest convention center on the west coast.  Angel Stadium underwent a major and successful renovation process, completed in 1998.  The Honda Center, which opened 1993 and is home to the NHL Ducks and the annual John R. Wooden Classic, was named the world’s third most popular concert venue in 2005 by Billboard Magazine.

Smith began his career with the City of Anaheim in 1972 while as a college student.  He started as a part-time parking lot attendant at Anaheim Stadium, moved to the Convention Center box office, then to the administrative section of the Stadium/Convention Center/Golf Department.  In 1975, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton.

Following graduation, Smith worked full-time as an Accountant for the Stadium and the Convention Center.  He was promoted several times in operations, and in 1984 was named Stadium Operations Manager.  In 1995, Smith was asked to serve as Executive Director of the newly formed Convention, Sports and Entertainment Department for the City of Anaheim.  The department manages the day-to-day operations of the Anaheim Convention Center, and serves as the contract administrator for the Honda Center, Angel Stadium of Anaheim and the Grove of Anaheim.

In 2003 Smith received his Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University.  As a member of the International Association of Auditorium Managers, he received the organization’s highest recognition of “Certified Facilities Executive.”  He currently is a member of the Anaheim Union High School District Prep Sports Foundation, serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Western Medical Center in Anaheim, is a member of the Board of Directors for the Anaheim Family YMCA, is a member of the Anaheim Rotary Club, serving as its treasurer, and serves on the Governing Board of the Anaheim Community Foundation.

City officials have indicated that a professional recruitment firm will be conducting a nationwide search for Smith’s successor

###

ABOUT ANAHEIM - The City of Anaheim, founded in 1857, is one of the nation's premier municipalities and is California's 10th most populous city. Anaheim covers 50 square miles with more than 345,500 residents and more than 3,200 City employees. The municipal corporation's annual budget is $1.4 billion. Anaheim supports a thriving business community with companies such as Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., L-3 Communications, Pacific Sunwear, and Disneyland Resort. Successful sports franchises call Anaheim home, including Angels Baseball, Anaheim Ducks, the 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winning U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team, and the 2008 Olympic Silver Medal winning U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team. Anaheim also boasts world-class meeting and entertainment venues with the Anaheim Convention Center, the largest on the west coast, Honda Center, The Grove of Anaheim, The Shops at Anaheim GardenWalk, and Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Annually, Anaheim welcomes millions of visitors to the city, truly making it where the world comes to live, work and play. For more information, please visit www.anaheim.net.