Duke University Medical Center Human Resources

Stephen R. Smith is chief human resources officer for Duke Medicine.

Smith was born in Denver, Colorado. He entered the United States Army in 1971 as an ROTC graduate of the University of Nebraska. He is a graduate of the National War College and holds a bachelor of science degree in zoology and a master of educational administration from Colorado State University.

Smith served 27 years in the Army, attaining the rank of brigadier general. His last active duty assignments included commander of the 18th Personnel Group (Airborne), XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; director of personnel for Joint Task Force Operation Restore Democracy in Haiti; the 58th adjutant general of the Army; director of enlisted management; and deputy commanding general of the United States Army Recruiting Command.

In August of 1998, Smith retired from the Army and joined Duke University and Duke University Health System as the director of recruitment and employment. In February 2001 he was selected to be the director of human resources for Duke University Hospital, and in April 2005 he was appointed chief human resources officer for Duke Medicine (including Duke University Health System and Medical Center).

Smith has also served as a vice chairperson for the United Way Campaign, chairman of the Durham Workforce Development Board, and served on the board of trustees for the United Methodist Retirement Homes. Presently, he serves as chair of the Duke Credit Union Board.