Dr. Michael Smith hails from the beautiful island country of Jamaica. He spent his formative years in Norwalk, Connecticut, after immigrating here at a young age, where the Norwalk SDA Church recognized and confirmed his call to ministry at 12, electing him as a Deacon at 15 years old.
After completing high school, Dr. Smith enlisted in the United States Navy and began ministry as a Chaplain’s Assistant. He was ordained as a Deacon at 19 and was later ordained into the Gospel Ministry at 21. After four years of active duty, he felt the call to formal academic ministerial training.
He relocated to Huntsville, AL, where he enrolled at Oakwood University, majoring in Ministerial Theology. While at Oakwood University, Dr. Smith served in the Alabama Army National Guard as a Combat Military Police Officer. After ordination as a Local Elder, Dr. Smith served with and was tutored by the late Elder E.C. Ward, the late Elder E.E. Cleveland, the late Elder E.E. Rogers, Dr. Lance Shand, and Dr. James R. Doggette, Sr., where he served as an Elder at Madison Mission SDA Church and the Oakwood University Church, respectively. He was a Volunteer Chaplain with both Elder Ward and Elder Cleveland at the Huntsville Hospital from 1999 - 2002.
After completing his studies at Oakwood, he continued in ministry, serving in numerous capacities in leadership, academia, corporate, and community sectors over the past 28 years. Dr. Smith has served in the following capacities respectively: Associate Pastor (5 churches), Bible Worker (7 Evangelistic Campaigns), Night Dean (Oakwood University), Literature Evangelist (6 Campaigns), Residential Life Assistant Dean (2 Academies), Chaplain & School Counselor (1 Academy), Literature Evangelist and Bible Worker Instructor (Oakwood University LETC), Campus Chaplain (Solid Rock Ranch School, CA & Highland Rim Christian Academy, TN), Volunteer Hospital Chaplain (Huntsville Hospital, AL & Florida Hospital, Daytona Beach, FL) and Community Chaplain (Orlando, FL; Huntsville, AL, Cleveland, OH and Albuquerque, NM).
Dr. Smith holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, an MBA & Masters of Business and Corporate Communications from Universidad Isabel I, Barcelona, Spain, and is currently pursuing an additional Master of Theology (ThM) & Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) from the American International Theism University, respectively. He holds a Doctor of Healthcare Administration from the Virginia University of Lynchburg (December 29, 2023). He is a National Mental Health First Aid Instructor with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and a Certified ACT Therapist. Dr. Smith is a Certified DEIB Expert with a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the Workplace Certification from the Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida. His qualifications continue as an Enterprise Risk Management/FMEA Expert, a Human Rights Education Consultant with the US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights, and a Certified Grant Writer with The Grantsmanship Center.
He currently serves as a Community Chaplain in Albuquerque, NM, and is Chaplain of the Nu Nu Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.
He holds numerous professional memberships and/or ministerial credentials from the United Christian Church and Ministerial Association, the National Christian Chaplains Association, the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Association for Contextual Behavioral Sciences, the International Association of Therapists, Six Sigma Academy Amsterdam, AFCEA International, the International Society of Business Leaders, the Community Chaplains of America, and Veterans in Media and Entertainment.
Dr. Smith is President & CEO of his private-practice Phoenix risk Management & Consulting Firm, LLC where he provides a host of corporate leadership, speaking, MHFA & DEIB training and sustainability and HR seminars. As a successful entrepreneur, esteemed leader, dedicated mental health professional, and veteran with over 30 years of experience, Dr. Michael A. Smith is a multifaceted individual whose accomplishments and expertise have left an indelible mark on multiple industries. Through his innovative business venture as a C-Suite Executive, he has shaped the landscape of numerous industries, providing valuable insight and inspiration to aspiring business leaders and university students.
Michael has demonstrated exceptional vision, strategic thinking, and the ability to motivate and empower those around him. As an ACT Therapist/Coach, he has shown unwavering dedication to helping others achieve mental wellness and overcome personal challenges. His service as a veteran further underscores his commitment to excellence, discipline, and service to his country.
Through his vast array of experiences and accomplishments, Dr. Smith continues to inspire and influence others to reach their full potential, making him a beacon of success and inspiration in today's ever-evolving world.
In addition to his hobbies that include Scenic Photography, DIY Candle-making, Astronomy, and Co-Hosting the No More Dirty Radio Show in Huntsville, AL., Dr. Smith is currently writing a 7-part Book Series on tools, resources and ways one can reach their full potential, their Zenith, their Pinnacle!