Benchmark's Principals
Richard Smith – Executive Vice President / Consulting Services
Mr. Smith has over 16 years of experience in local government planning, zoning administration, and community development. His experience includes comprehensive planning, zoning administration and enforcement, annexation, subdivision administration, community development administration, public policy, and GIS administration. Mr. Smith also has over five years experience in the private sector where he worked with various planning and zoning jurisdictions in the coordination of residential and commercial land use projects.
Mr. Smith previously worked in various planning and zoning capacities with Lincoln County and Catawba County, NC. Prior to joining Benchmark, Mr. Smith served as Director of Planning and Community Development for Moore County, NC where he was responsible for facilitating current and long-range planning duties, overseeing community development projects including two major water districts, coordination of regional planning efforts, and administration of building services. While with Benchmark, Mr. Smith served as the Planning Director for the City of Kannapolis, NC assisting with the development of the North Carolina Research Campus.
His current duties with Benchmark include serving as Director of Consulting Services, managing contracts and projects, while serving on a wide range of special projects and comprehensive plans.
Education
Master of Public Administration, Appalachian State University
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Real Estate Concentration, Western Carolina University
Master of Public Administration, Appalachian State University
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Real Estate Concentration, Western Carolina University
Benchmark's Principals: Jason Epley and Gary Wilson